A five-year-old boy is in a critical condition in hospital following an incident at a well-known department store in Colchester.

Emergency services were called to the Fenwick department store in the town’s High Street shortly after 11.30 am on Tuesday, July 27 following reports of concerns for the welfare of a child.

Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance service all attended the scene.

On arrival, officers found a five-year-old boy who had sustained a serious head injury.

Alongside store staff and medics, police officers immediately administered first aid to the boy.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

A number of roads were closed by police in and around the area following the incident including High Street, North HIll and North Station Road.

Fenwick’s was closed to the public on Tuesday afternoon and remained closed during the day on Wednesday.

An investigation has been launched into what happened at the store with Essex Police, Colchester Borough Council and Fenwick's all set to be involved.

The department store released a statement on Wednesday saying that they would be working with authorities.

Director Mia Fenwick said: “The Fenwick family, leadership and all of our colleagues are shocked and saddened by the incident which happened at our Colchester store yesterday morning.

"Our thoughts are with the child and their family during this difficult time.

"We are working closely with the local authorities to assist with the investigation and to understand how this happened.

"Our Colchester store remained closed today.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Specialist officers are supporting the boy’s family at this time.

"We are supporting an investigation into the incident alongside Colchester Borough Council."

A Colchester Borough Council spokesman confirmed that it would be looking into the incident.

He said: “We will be using the information we have gathered to investigate the circumstances of the incident in Fenwick on Tuesday 27 July as part of our health and safety responsibilities.”