Death of child sparks HSE inquiry

The HSE is to launch a “comprehensive review” of its involvement with the family of eight-year-old Anthony Ward, who was found dead in his home in North Cork yesterday morning.

An autopsy to be carried out today on the body of the boy is expected to conclude he died of asphyxiation.

In a statement last night, the HSE South said: “As with all serious incidents such as this, the HSE has committed to a comprehensive review of the involvement of HSE services with the family.”

Anthony was supposed to start the new school year at Newtownshandrum National School yesterday. Instead, his body was found in his bedroom with his school clothes neatly set out near him.

Emergency services rushed to the house he shared with his mother, Diane, after receiving a phonecall from a concerned relative at about 9.30am.

After finding the body, they contacted gardaí, who sealed off the bungalow at Harrison Place, Charleville.

It is believed that Anthony had been dead for a number of hours.

After briefly speaking to Diane Ward, 43, gardaí concluded she was in a distressed state and needed medical attention.

Ms Ward was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment and gardaí are waiting for doctors to inform them when she is well enough to speak to them more comprehensively.

Anthony’s father, Mark Ryan, who does not live with Ms Ward, was comforted at the scene by members of her family and close friends.

He sat patiently for hours outside the house as gardaí combed the scene for clues as to what happened.

Ms Ward’s mother, Sheila, and her two brothers, Alan and Billy, live in adjoining houses and they were being comforted by neighbours.

Liam Shine, who lives opposite Ms Ward, said Anthony celebrated his eighth birthday just two weeks ago and all the local children had been invited to the party.

“His mother was absolutely devoted to him. I found out what had happened when I came out for a walk with my one-year-old son, Charlie, and saw the Garda cars.

“Anthony was always up and down the road on his bicycle. He was a typical eight-year-old boy. He was a lovely young fella. The whole place is absolutely devastated.”

Parish Priest Canon Seán Cotter said it was obvious the Ward family were finding it very difficult to cope with what had happened, especially when it should have been a joyous day with little Anthony preparing to return to school.

Assistant state pathologist Dr Margot Bolster viewed Anthony’s body at the house, before it was removed to CUH, where she will carry out the autopsy.

Superintendent Pat McCarthy described Anthony’s death as “a tragic incident”.

“Everybody’s thoughts and prayers are with the family. We are following a definite line of inquiry.”