Tributes to boy, 7, dies in river accident at Quakers Yard
Tributes have been left to a seven-year-old boy who died after falling into a river while throwing rocks with friends.
Emergency services were called to the River Taff in Quakers Yard, near Merthyr Tydfil, on Sunday at 18:30 BST.
The boy is understood to be a pupil at Edwardsville Primary, where letters have been given to parents.
Residents said the mother of one of the boy's friends pulled him from the water.
South Wales Police said they were treating the incident as a tragic accident after the boy was airlifted to hospital but later died.
One tribute left at the scene read: "R.I.P little man. Sleep tight with angels above, you are already missed by so many."
Treharris councillor Richard Thomas said: "The loss of any young person under these circumstances is a tragedy and will be felt by the community."
He added: "Our thoughts and prayers go to the family. If there's anything we can do as a local authority to support them then they only have to ask."
Kate Moran, another councillor representing Quakers Yard, which is in the Treharris ward, said: "It's a tragic accident. I've played there myself as a child and so did my brother and lots of people.
"It's devastating to lose a child and will badly affect us as a community."
Merthyr Tydfil council said it was aware of the incident and was co-operating with police.
"Our thoughts and sympathy are with the family at the sad time and we will offer support in any way we can," a statement read.
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman said an air ambulance, rapid response car and ambulance were sent, with the boy taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, in a critical condition.