Father pays emotional tribute to two-year-old daughter whose life was 'snatched away'

The father of a two-year-old girl from Haverfordwest has paid an emotional tribute to his daughter, saying she has "left a hole in the hearts" of everyone she met.

Dan Thomas thanked staff at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for trying to save the life of his daughter, Lola Patricia James, who died on July 21.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of assault and neglect following Lola's death.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were called to an address in Haverfordwest on the morning of Friday, July 17.

Lola was taken to hospital but despite staff doing all they could, she passed away on July 21.

The tribute from her father reads:  "From the very first time I met my beautiful daughter, Lola Patricia James, my heart was filled with such joy, a happiness I'd never felt before, an unconditional love and need to always protect her for the rest of her life.

"Not in a millions years did I think her life would be snatched away from her in such a cruel way.

"All the things she never had chance to learn, see or say, and all the things I will never have a chance to teach her – to write her name, ride a bike or drive a car."

Mr Thomas goes on to thank the hospital workers "that not only helped Lola, but threw everything they had at her to try and save her life", calling the staff at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff "amazing".

Lola's grandmother, Nicola James, described her as the "constant light in our lives, the sparkle of our eye."

She said: "You rest in the hands of the angels in a place with peace and love, brightest shining star looking down from heaven above. You were so bubbly, happy and kept everyone on their toes, a beautiful singer and you were always smiling."

"Your big sister is especially gonna miss staying up late playing Frozen, when you should be sleeping, giving the best big hugs and the most beatifulist singing and playing in the doll’s house."

"Nanny's gonna miss your mischievousness and your loud crazy personality."

"Our beautiful girl, with your big sparkly eyes and soft blonde curls, you will forever be in our hearts and never forgotten. Shine bright baby girl, our sparkling star, Lola."

A spokeswoman for HM Pembrokeshire Coroner confirmed they had been notified of the death but that an inquest had not yet been opened.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of assault and neglect and have been released on bail. Dyfed-Powys Police said the investigation is still ongoing and her family continue to be supported by specialist trained officers.