An eight-year-old boy who died after being shot in the head and face while he was hunting rabbits on a rural farm has been named Jay Cartmell.
Jay, from the village of Frizington in the Lake District, suffered fatal injuries while on a farm in Warcop on Saturday afternoon.
He was flown to hospital but medics were unable to save him after he suffered a severe brain injury.
A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of GBH assault before being re-arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide.
He was released on bail Sunday evening pending further investigations.
A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: “A man arrested following the death of an eight-year-old boy has been released on bail while police continue their investigation.
“As officers continue their investigation, they are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward.”
Emergency services rushed to a farm in the small village located beside the A66 on Saturday afternoon after the youngster was shot at 2.50pm.
The farmer who owns the land where the boy was shot said he was “very sad” at the shocking incident.
It is understood the boy was with an adult ‘bunny’ – with permission from the farmer – when he was hit by a bullet.
The farmer said: “I had to watch what happened. This is very disappointing. My mother is in her 80s and is sick.”
Warcop is home to just under 500 people, with two churches and a small primary school.