Boy, five, dies of air rifle injury

Jonathan Cooke, known as Joe, is believed to have died after being shot while playing in the garden of a family friend.

His mother Emma, 43, said the death was a "tragic accident".

She said: "Joe was a gorgeous, cheeky, beautiful, bright little bundle of joy who lit up the room - our little Indiana Jones.

"He died in a tragic accident and we love him to infinity and beyond. His death will leave a huge hole in our lives. He will be missed by anyone who knew him, as he touched so many lives.

"We would now request privacy at this difficult time so we can remember our lovely little boy in peace."

Joe is understood to have been one of around five children at the large bungalow in the village of Fovant, Wiltshire on Monday afternoon. He was in the extensive back garden at the home of Bernard Allnutt, in his 70s, and wife Pamela, at Moor Hill.

Joe is believed to have been a friend of their grandson and holidaying in the village. The house is a large secluded bungalow-style home at the end of a tree-lined 100 metre driveway, and with a garden of several acres. The Allnutts said that they would not comment on the incident.

Fovant and Chalke Valley councillor Jose Green said rumours that the boy was "running across the line of fire" when he was shot were "pure speculation".

Mrs Green, a Conservative, said: "It was a horrendous tragedy for the family. Fovant has never known anything like this, I would say. A helicopter came down to take the child to hospital and he was more or less dead when he arrived. It was a tragic accident."