A LITTLE girl has died after falling from a horse.

The two-year-old was riding a pony with members of The Bedale Hunt, on land near Northallerton, in North Yorkshire, on Wednesday morning, when she fell.

Emergency services were called to the scene close to the village of Kirkby Fleetham.

The girl was transported to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, by a Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter. 

Sadly, she died as a result of her injuries early the following day.

The Northern Echo understands the tragic incident did not happen during an official hunt ride.

Officials at the Bedale Hunt said members are “completely devastated but pulling together” for the girl’s family.

In a statement, a hunt spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a tragic accident happened on Wednesday, 15th September, when a two-year-old girl fell from her pony and subsequently lost her life.

“As a community we are all completely devastated but are pulling together to support the family involved.

“Our sincere condolences go to all those affected and we urge that everybody respects the family’s privacy during what is a very distressing time."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police are compiling a report on behalf of the coroner following the tragic death of a two-year-old girl who was involved in a horse riding-related incident on land at Kirkby Fleetham, near Northllerton.

“It occurred at around 8am on Wednesday and the girl died at hospital during the early hours of Thursday.

“The girl’s family are receiving specialist support while enquiries are ongoing into the incident.

“Police request that the family’s privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”

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