A statement from Cumbria police explained emergency services had been called to reports a child had been seriously injured by a firearm at bout 2:50pm yesterday (28 September).
Police and North West Ambulance Service attended the farm in the Warcop area.
The statement continued: “The firearm was secured at the scene by police and an eight-year-old boy was taken to hospital by air ambulance having suffered serious and life-threatening injuries to his head and face.
“Sadly, the boy has died overnight.”
Cumbria Police are now investigating the boy’s death.
A man in his 60s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault GBH.
“He remains in police custody but is now under arrest on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter,” the force added.
