A man and woman quizzed on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after a three-year-old was thrown to her death from a trampoline have today (fri) been released under investigation.
The pair, both in their 40s, spent more than 24 hours in police custody after being arrested on Thursday over the death of Ava-May Littleboy earlier this month.
The youngster suffered a fatal head injury after being hurled 20ft from the play equipment which ‘exploded’ on the beach at Gorleston, Norfolk, on July 1.
She was rushed to hospital but died hours later.
The arrests came after experts were called in to examine the inflatable equipment Ava-May was playing on as part of a joint investigation by Norfolk Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The man and woman, both from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, have been released from custody but remain under investigation whilst the enquiry continues.
Ava-May from Somersham, Suffolk, was visiting the beach with her mother Chloe Littleboy, 25, at the time of the incident.
Her funeral is due to take place on July 24, followed by a tea party where all friends, family and children are welcome.
Ava-May’s family previously paid tribute to the toddler, describing her as ‘the little girl that loved life.’
In a statement released by Norfolk Police, they said: “She was not your ordinary little girl, as anyone she met, she would leave a lasting impression on.
“Anyone that met her would not want to forget her.
“Her infectious laugh and smile could light up even the darkest of rooms.
“She was the little girl that loved life.”
Ava-May’s family and friends also paid tribute to her and set up a JustGiving page asking for donations for a park bench in her honour.
Her aunt, Laura Reid, 28, said “I will love you always and forever. Sleep tight my little angel. My everything my princess! My heart is broken.”
People also sent well-wishes and donations to the family online.
One wrote: “So Tragic. Thoughts and prays for the family and all affected.
“Life is so fragile and precious, every moment should be valued and treasured. God rest your soul darling child.’
Police previously revealed that Ava-May was the only person on the trampoline at the time, which was in a section of the beach called Bounce About.
The area also has an inflatable slide, traditional trampolines and a rodeo ride.
It is thought hot weather could could have caused the inflatable to pop as temperatures reached up to 29 degrees.
The owner of the trampoline, Curt Johnson, 47, said: “It is very upsetting.
“We have been at the beach for a very long time, definitely a number of years and it is the first accident we have had there and it is quite shocking.”
The tragedy comes after the death of Summer Grant, seven, who died in 2016 after being crushed to death by a bouncy castle at a park in Harlow, Essex.
Married fairground workers William Thurston, 29, and Shelby Thurston, 26, were found to be responsible for her “entirely preventable” death after failing to properly secure the inflatable and were jailed for three years in June.
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