UK flooding: Seven-year-old boy dies in Surrey

A BOY has died and 17 people, including his parents and police officers, have been taken to hospital after falling ill in a flood-hit town.

Waves crash against the harbour wall at Porthcawl in south Wales. Picture: Reuters

The seven-year-old’s parents were in a serious condition as it emerged that flooding, which has hit swathes of southern Britain, may have been a factor in the emergency.

Police were called around 3.30am yesterday to a property in Chertsey, Surrey, by medics who administered emergency treatment to the boy, his father, aged in his 40s, and his mother, in her 30s.

The boy was later declared dead while his parents are still being treated at nearby St Peter’s Hospital along with 15 others, including two police officers.

Amid speculation the death may be due to carbon monoxide poisoning or a water-based illness, police said flooding was “one line of inquiry” being pursued.

More torrential rain and ferocious gales are expected in the next few days.