Boy (11) died in canal after playing with friends

AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy whose body was recovered from a canal died after he “had been playing with a number of children,” an inquest heard.

Specialist crews recovered the body of Subhaan Ali (11) from Earl Fitzwilliam’s Canal, just off Stonerow Way, Parkgate, on Thursday night at around 10.45pm.

An inquest opening at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on Monday heard “there were no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the youngster’s death.

The Doncaster Coroner, Ms Nichola Mundy, said: “There has been a number of enquiries made through the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a number of witnesses have been spoken to.

“Subhaan was believed to have been playing with a number of other children of similar age by the canal when he got into difficulties.”

Ms Mundy said she was still awaiting a pathologist's report to confirm a preliminary cause of death.

Coroner’s officer Sarah Grainger said she received a statement from DC Victoria Kenny on Friday, July 22.

Ms Grainger said: “It confirmed the circumstances of the death and that Subhaan had been recovered from a canal in Rotherham late the previous evening.

“Paramedic Melanie Ewan pronounced life extinct at 10.45pm on July 21.”

Ms Mundy released Subhaan’s body for burial and adjourned the inquest pending further enquiries.

South Yorkshire Police's investigating officer Temporary Detective Inspector Graham Stead said: “Our deepest sympathies go to Subhaan’s family who have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

“A thorough and comprehensive investigation is continuing, but I can confirm that there appear to be no suspicious circumstances.

“We will continue to provide support to the family and provide the necessary information to the coroner.”