"He was loving, kind and full of mischief": Parents of boy, 8, killed in farm shooting tragedy honour 'perfect' son

The parents of an eight year-old boy who died in a shooting incident at a farm in Cumbria have paid heart-breaking tribute to their 'perfect little boy'.

They said Jay Cartmell, whose favourite footballer was Manchester City star Erling Haaland, was 'loving, kind and full of mischief'. He loved getting muddy, speedway and caring for the family's pets including 'Spike', a bearded dragon he got from his school as an achievement gift.

Jay suffered injuries to his head and face on land near the A66, north of Warcop, Cumbria, last month. A firearm was secured at the scene by police and the youngster from Frizington, Cumbria, was taken by air ambulance to hospital, where he sadly died.

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A man aged in his 60s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. He was taken to police custody and later held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. The man was later bailed as police continued their investigations.

In a statement released through police today, Sunday, Leigha and James Cartmell said Jay's 'love surrounds us and his memory will never fade'. They also released a new family album photograph.

They said: "We are heartbroken at the passing of our perfect little boy - Jay Cartmell, 8 years. He was loving, kind and full of mischief, the best boy that anyone could wish for and the third corner of our beautiful family triangle.

"Jay loved being outdoors, the muddier he could get the better and was starting to follow in the footsteps of his dad with his obsession for speedway at Workington, where he first attended aged one year. He always went to the pit to fist bump his heroes, local racers Harry and Sam McGurk. Jay was a talented rider himself and was showing real promise for the sport.

"Jay was a defender at Whitehaven Miners Football Club. He would occasionally score a goal, albeit an own goal, but that didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. His favourite player was Erling Haaland and he had a dream to move to Brazil and to meet Lionel Messi.

"Jay enjoyed fishing and rabbiting with his dad and helped care for the family pets - 4 lurchers, 5 ferrets and his own bearded dragon (Spike) which he received following a school achievement. He loved school and had a talent for maths. Jay was extremely loved, not only by us, but by all who met him. He had fantastic friends and always had a smile on his face. We will miss him every day, but his love surrounds us and his memory will never fade.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who have looked after Jay:- The Air Ambulance Service; PICU, Ward 12 RVI and the Snowdrop Suite at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

"Also special thanks to the Workington Speedway Supporters Club for their amazing donations; JD Autos and Fellview Surgery for their ongoing support; the Workington Comets, especially Andrew Bain, for a special gift which we will treasure forever and to Whitehaven Miners for all that they have done and continue to do in Jay’s honour."