THE death of a 10-year-old boy in Topshop has prompted a probe by local health and safety bosses.
Kaden Reddick was killed in The Oracle's Topshop by a tumbling shop barrier four times heavier than him in February 2017.
A jury of eight men and three women decided on Tuesday, March 10, that although the 180kgs queue barrier was "inadequately fastened," the considered conclusion was accidental death.
READ ALSO: Topshop Oracle death in Reading ruled an accident.
Reading Borough Council (RBC) is now investigating the incident at the Oracle shop.
A spokesperson for RBC said: “Following the Coroner’s conclusion this week that the tragic death of Kaden Reddick in February 2017 was accidental, arising from an inadequately fixed barrier causing a traumatic head injury, the council now intends to continue to actively investigate the case on health and safety grounds, which could lead to criminal proceedings."
They continued: “Reading Borough Council took over the investigation in November 2018, after the initial Police investigation concluded and the Crown Prosecution Service made a decision not to prosecute.
"The move from a corporate manslaughter investigation, led by the Police, to a council health and safety investigation, requires new lines of enquiry which were not considered by the Police or CPS during their initial reviews.
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“The council has a statutory duty to investigate every line of enquiry into this tragic case, to avoid further challenge or delay at a later stage.
“We will obviously continue to keep the family informed at every opportunity and as the investigation progresses.”
The inquest into Kaden's death started on Monday, March 2, and concluded on Tuesday, March 10, more than three years after his death.
Kaden's family paid tribute to him as a 'cheeky, considerate, and energetic' youngster.
For the full tribute, click here.
They added their thanks to all who have supported them in the past three years, including care, Thames Valley Police, and Co-op Legal Services.
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