Cork boy died from asphyxia

Preliminary results from a post mortem on the body of eight-year-old Anthony Ward show that he appeared to have died from asphyxia.

The boy was found dead at his home in Charleville in Co Cork yesterday and Gardaí do not believe he died of natural causes.

Results from toxicology tests carried out are not expected for a number of weeks.

Meanwhile, Gardaí this morning obtained a court order allowing them to continue their examination of the house where the body was discovered yesterday morning.

Anthony’s mother Diane Ward, 43, remains in hospital after being found in a distressed state by her son’s side in the bedroom of the family home in Harrison Place, Charleville, Co Cork, yesterday.

The HSE has ordered an investigation into the matter because it had previous involvement with the family.

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.”