An investigation is under way after a toddler had his arm ripped off by a washing machine.
Three-year-old Lewis Wrench was reportedly trying to help his mother, Rachel, by filling the machine with clothes.
Ms Wrench, 24, a mother of four, from Crewe, Cheshire, was in her living room when she heard her son screaming.
It is suspected the boy had opened the front-loading washing machine which kept on running instead of automatically stopping. His mother found him covered in blood, with his left arm detached and inside the machine.
Lewis's arm was torn off just below the shoulder and he was rushed to hospital but doctors were unable to re-attach his limb. He may have to undergo further surgery and will eventually be given a prosthetic arm.
The washing machine is rented and the make is unknown. It has been taken away for examination by local Trading Standards investigators.
A spokesman for Cheshire East Council said: "We are very sorry to hear about this tragic incident. It is something that we are aware of and we are currently carrying out investigations."
Since the accident, which happened at around 11.30am on September 11, local police, friends and family have rallied round to raise money to treat Lewis to a trip to Disneyland.
A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: "Inquiries took place to determine the sequence of events which resulted in the child receiving the injuries. The investigation was then passed over to Trading Standards.
"Staff were so moved by the horrific incident they felt the need to raise money for the family. Different departments have donated prizes which will be raffled off at a later date."

my god that is horrific ! i hope the company that make the machine stump up for that trip !

oh my god thats awful.

what an innocent thing to be doing and it ended up in tragedy

Omg poor little.mite.. and poor mum too!! i hope they sue the.companys.arses!!

Oh god, that is awful!! That poor poor little boy, he must of been in so much pain

I've just read about it, have contacted the local people to hear how I can donate some money to the family, what an awful experience! Also think I will get a lockout on the utilise room door as it's off the playroom and he's often left unattended in the playroom and it shows it only takes a minute.

oh god poor little thing

scary to think girls help me load the mashine

OMG poor little fella


I dont even know how that could happen though - even if the door came open...how would it going round have ripped his arm off?!

Omg! I am shocked!

Lisa

I dare not even try to think about it

i was speaking to mike about this just there and i suggested that small fingers and an older model washing machine , maybe the little holes in drum were big enough for small fingers ,
OH thinks that maybe it was a full load and little hands trapped in heavy wet washing could have been what happened

Thats terrible.



CHar

it's awful to think about but it must have been going at some force to rip his arm off. Poor little thing though

Omg thats shocking. Poor family xx

Poor little mite! It must have been a newish machine if it was rented, as I cant imagine companies renting out really old ones.

x

awful awful poor lil boy and poor mum too
sue the ass off that company- and the company that rented the machine too- so glad we have a utility room lol x