A FAMILY party turned to tragedy when a young boy drowned in his grandparents' swimming pool.

The two-year-old was found floating in the water just before 6.30pm on Friday.

Police and an ambulance were called and paramedics tried to resuscitate the youngster.

A neighbour said: "There were lots of adults around and there seemed to be a bit of party going on.

"Then there was a scream from the garden."

According to police, a number of children were playing in the swimming pool at the home of Brian and Sally Jeffrey, in Bush Road, Cuxton.

The morning after the tragedy, forensic teams arrived to examine the scene.

A spokesman for the police said: "Forensics are called out as a matter of course.

"There is no indication of anything suspicious and this is being treated as nothing other than a tragic accident."

Half a dozen cars were seen in the driveway of the large detached house and friends arrived throughout the day to offer their condolences to the boy's distraught young mother and her parents.

The house is in a quiet country road and neighbours say everyone is devastated by the news.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It is a terrible tragedy.

"With this lovely weather everyone should be in happy spirits enjoying barbecues in the sunshine.

"With water around you just have to keep your eyes peeled all the time. It is awful that something like this could happen to this poor family."

Cuxton parish vicar the Rev Roger Knight said: "These things happen so quickly.

"You can just be turned away for a minute and something happens. It's terribly sad for everyone concerned."

kspencerking@thekmgroup.co.uk