Woman dies after suffering neck injury at May Day Obby Oss celebration in Padstow

Police examine decorative Obby Oss over fears it struck bystander

The Obby Oss event takes place each year on May Day (Screenshot/YouTube/WilfulFilms)

A woman who was injured at a traditional Obby Oss parade in Cornwall has died, leaving police to examine whether she was struck by a stylised horse used at the May Day event.

Laura Smallwood sustained a serious neck injury, collapsed and became unresponsive while at the annual parade in Padstow.

Emergency services were called shortly after 7pm and resuscitated her, after which Ms Smallwood was airlifted to Derriford Hospital.

She died on Saturday morning and her next-of-kin have been informed.

Police earlier said they were investigating reports that Ms Smallwood may have been struck by an Obby Oss.

One of the ceremonial horses, known as the Blue Ribbon Obby Oss, was examined and returned.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the probe.

Hundreds gathered in Padstow for Wednesday’s parade, to mark the centuries old parade.

The Obby Oss event is held each year to mark the arrival of summer.

Dancers parade through the town during the event with stylised recreations of two horses – the Old and Blue Ribbon Osses.

Musicians playing drums and accordions accompany them through Padstow’s streets.

It is also believed that Ms Smallwood may have been assaulted by another woman earlier in the evening.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Laura’s family at this very sad time,” said DCI Paul Norlund, of Devon and Cornwall Police.

“We continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry to establish how Laura sustained her injuries.

“At this time, we would like to hear from any witnesses and anyone with information, particularly anyone with any relevant mobile phone or camera footage taken around the event.”

Anybody with information or footage is asked to contact police via 101dc.police.uk or by phone on 101, quoting log number 116 of 01/05/19.

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