Inquest to probe death of boy in pond

An inquest will resume today into the death of a three-year-old boy who apparently drowned in a garden pond during a family party.

Rodney Lawrence was reported missing from his Hampshire home in Union Lane, Kingsclere, Hampshire, on May 9 this year.

When police arrived, he was found in the pond. He was airlifted to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police said the cause of death was consistent with drowning.

In a statement, his parents, landscape gardener Jonathan Lawrence and his wife, Marie, said: "Rodney was our baby boy who will stay in our hearts forever.

"We would like to send out our sincere thanks to our family and friends for their support at this tragic time.

"The response team and the emergency services were outstanding in all their efforts to save our lovely, special 'sminktol'."

The inquest will be held at Alton Magistrates' Court.