Boy killed at Royal Highland Show

Onlookers say the three-year-old boy was playing with a rope between the 2ft pillars in the car park when they toppled and landed on him at around 1.30pm today.

Paramedics rushed him to the Sick Kids in Edinburgh, but he died shortly after from serious head injuries.

It is thought the child was a member of a farming family who had a stall at the Edinburgh show, which had its official launch yesterday morning.

Liam McGee, 19, who was working in the event's car park when the incident occurred, said he thought the youngster had been playing alone.

He said: "I heard the child was playing between two unattached concrete bollards which were roped together. He pushed the rope downwards and the bollards keeled over and landed on top of him.

"Security were going mad trying to keep the public away from the area so the ambulance could get through."

Agnes Turner, 64, who was visiting for the day from Galashiels, added: "It's such a terrible thing to have happened. I hate to think what his parents are going through. Everybody at the show is talking about the accident."

The scene has been blocked off with blue fences guarded by a policeman.

Visitors can come and go from the carpark to the showground as usual.

Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses to help them piece together exactly what happened.

At the scene, Inspector Alan Duthie said: "A tragic accident took place around 1:30pm this afternoon. A 3-year-old child was playing near to some concrete bollards and suffered serious injuries. We are still unsure as to what exactly happened. The child was taken to hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. We are appealing for witnesses to come forward and get in touch."

A police spokesperson added: "The circumstances aren't entirely clear yet, but he appears to have hit his head while playing at concrete bollards."

Ray Jones, Chief Executive of show organisers Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland said: "This has been a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the child's family at what is obviously a very difficult time. The matter is now in the hands of the police and investigative authorities with whom we are cooperating fully."