Probe launched after young boy found in freezing cold

An eight-year-old boy was discovered today sitting outside in freezing weather conditions in the North.

He was found by a taxi driver at around 6.30am beside a shop in the Ballymagroarty area of Derry.

The driver wrapped him in a blanket until an ambulance arrived to take him to Altnagelvin Hospital.

The temperature was around minus one.

Social services and police are investigating.

A spokeswoman for the Western Health and Social Care Trust said: “The Western Trust was alerted this morning to a young boy taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday 6 January 2010 after being found alone outside in the Ballymagroarty area.

“Childcare services are following up on this referral as a matter of course with the PSNI. Respecting confidentiality the trust cannot provide any further comment.”

SDLP Cllr Mark H Durkan said he was alarmed.

“This was a very distressing incident for the young boy concerned,” he added.

“However there are two feelings in Ballymagroarty today. One of incredulity that something like this could happen. Secondly one of immense relief that a tragedy has been avoided.”