A holiday meant to be filled with joy turned into a nightmare at Little Eden Holiday Park, where the silence was shattered by tragedy. Two teenagers, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, were found deceased within one of the rental lodges, leaving a community reeling and families devastated.
The discovery unfolded as other families arrived, unaware of the horror that had already occurred. One father, eager to begin a relaxing break with his wife and two children, described a scene of unsettling police presence. Despite the visible emergency response, he and his family were permitted access to a neighboring lodge.
He recounted a conversation with a staff member who assured him the situation was “isolated” to two lodges, offering a fragile sense of security. The family, though initially frightened, attempted to settle in, reassured by the lack of further communication from park staff. They watched as other guests also arrived and began unpacking, seemingly oblivious to the danger.
The illusion of safety was abruptly broken hours later when the fire brigade arrived, conducting a safety check on the lodge’s boiler. The news was chilling: the boiler lacked a safety certificate and posed a significant risk. Guests were strongly advised to evacuate immediately.
As families hastily packed their belongings, a council evacuation notice confirmed their worst fears. The father expressed profound distress, admitting he had calmed his children by assuring them everything was safe, a reassurance now tainted by the knowledge they had been placed in a potentially hazardous environment even after the initial tragedy.
Authorities are investigating the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning as a contributing factor to the teenagers’ deaths, though the cause remains unexplained. A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and is currently in custody.
Chief Superintendent Matt Peach emphasized the immense distress felt by the families involved, pleading for respect for their privacy and urging the public to refrain from speculation. He confirmed that specially trained officers are providing ongoing support to the grieving families.
A thorough investigation is underway, involving close collaboration between the police, fire service, the Health and Safety Executive, and the local council. Emergency services have inspected all other properties on the site, offering guidance and support to ensure the safety of remaining guests.
The park, advertised as a haven with private hot tubs and relaxing terraces, is now the focus of intense scrutiny. The community is left grappling with shock and grief, awaiting answers as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
