A SUFFOLK toddler was just weeks away from celebrating her second birthday when she tragically died after falling into a homemade garden pond, an inquest has heard.

A SUFFOLK toddler was just weeks away from celebrating her second birthday when she tragically died after falling into a homemade garden pond, an inquest has heard.

Emily Wilkinson was just 22-months-old when she wandered from her home in Evergreen Lane, Great Bradley, and fell into a private pond in her grandmother's garden on the opposite side of the street.

Emily's distraught parents found her body after her older brother alerted them to the tragedy. Just one foot was protruding from the goldfish pond in her grandmother's garden.

Paramedics and Emily's father Richard tried desperately to resuscitate the toddler, but she died later in the West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds.

An inquest into Emily's death was opened and adjourned by Dr Peter Dean, coroner for Greater Suffolk, during a short hearing yesterday .

The court, sitting in Bury St Edmunds, heard the toddler was due to celebrate her second birthday on Mothering Sunday, March 30.

Dr Dean said: “I have been advised she was found in a pond on February 15, and initially was not breathing.

“Her father administered CPR and Emily started to breathe. She was conveyed to the West Suffolk Hospital, but sadly died.

“At the present time, having formally opened the inquest, I will adjourn it while further inquiries are made into the circumstances surrounding the death itself.”

The tragedy happened on Saturday, February 15, less than 50 yards from the family's terraced home, and left neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac shocked.

Speaking following the incident, Emily's mother, who did not wish to be named, pleaded with all parents never to let their children out of their sight.

“We are all blaming each other at the moment,” said the mother-of-eight. “I would say to other parents just to keep an eye on your kids all the time. That's all you can do.”

A full inquest into Emily's death will be held after all investigations into her death have been completed.