Boy killed in playground accident

A three-year-old boy has died in a playground accident at a school in Levin.

Police and ambulance staff were called to Levin East School about 3pm yesterday but the boy died at the scene.

"The three-year-old appears to have fallen," Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery said.

"He was playing on some playground equipment but we're unsure how he came into difficulty."

The boy was at the school with his parents.

A post mortem examination would be held today in Palmerston North. Police had spoken to witnesses and family.

"Obviously everyone's very upset," Mr Burbery said. "The family are devastated."

The school was opening today and a police education officer would be attending a special assembly to talk to the children.

The boy's name was unlikely to be released. The coroner has been advised.

- NZPA