Parents of toddler who drowned at Leeds David Lloyd centre speak of devastation

The parents of a three-year-old boy who drowned at a leisure centre in Leeds have issued a statement speaking of their devastation.

Rocco Wright died following an incident at the David Lloyd Club in Moortown on Saturday.

In a statement issued through their lawyers, Rocco's parents Catharine and Steven said the toddler was with his father and four-year-old sister for a swimming lesson at the club.

Mr Wright said that, following a discussion with club staff about arrangements for the lesson, he realised Rocco was missing.

He said: "I checked round the poolside thinking he would be hiding but devastatingly he wasn't. I found him at the far end of pool face down at the bottom. I dived in and got him out onto the poolside and screamed for help."

Rocco was pulled from the water, but his death was confirmed a short time later.

The statement added: "We are all totally devastated by the loss of the most amazing happy joyful boy you could ever wish to meet.

"Rocco truly loved life and we will be left with a void forever that can never be filled. RIP buddy, we'll love you forever.’’

In a statement, David Lloyd said: "All of our team at the club are deeply shocked and our thoughts are very much with the boy’s family at this sad time.

"We are working closely with the relevant local authorities and have launched a full investigation into this tragic incident."