Parents set to sue over pool death of girl, 7

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Mark Gellard and Sian Lakey say their daughter Michelle died because there were not enough lifeguards on duty and no life-saving equipment at the pool.

Michelle, from the Isle of Dogs, was pulled unconscious from the pool in Maldon, Essex, by a member of the public on 14 June and given first aid but she was pronounced dead after being airlifted to Colchester General Hospital.

Mr Gellard and Ms Lakey say Leisure Connection, which runs Blackwater Leisure Centre, and Maldon district council were negligent. They say the ambulance operator was told a child was choking and then told she was "OK".

The Heath and Safety Executive is investigating the council but the council is investigating Leisure Connection.

The HSE said the council had a legal responsibility despite having contracted out the leisure centre. An inquest will be held after the HSE inquiry.

No one from Leisure Connection was available to comment. The council declined to comment.