Tests to discover how boy died

A post-mortem examination will be carried out today on the body of an eight-year-old boy found dead in his bed.

Health chiefs have launched a probe in to its involvement with the family of Anthony Ward, before his body was discovered yesterday morning.

Gardaí are also investigating the suspicious death of the schoolboy, which detectives are treating as a “tragic incident”.

Anthony’s mother, 43-year-old Diane Ward, was found in a distressed state by his side and taken to Cork University Hospital for medical treatment. It is believed he was suffocated.

The Health Service Executive (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.”

The alarm was raised when a relative discovered the pair son in the bedroom of the family home in Harrison Place, Charleville, Co Cork.

Anthony’s grief-stricken father, farmer Mark Ryan, sat on a wall close by the home forensic officers as assistant state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster examined the scene.

A 24 hour freephone helpline number – 1800 201 890 – has been opened to give support, assistance and counseling to those affected by the incident.

Teachers and students a Newtownshandrum National School – where Anthony was due to go back to yesterday morning – are also expected to be given extra support to deal with the tragedy, which has rocked the close-knit community.

Ms Ward and her only child lived next to her mother Sheila and brothers Alan and Billy.

Neighbour Liam Shine described Ms Ward as a lovely neighbour and her son as a normal eight-year-old who was full of energy.

Mr Shine said: “Anthony would always be out playing in the garden or riding his bike. He was a handsome little lad with short brown hair coming down the sides.

“He was always very well presented. You could tell he was well looked after.”