Boy died cycling down hill in half-term - inquest

A 12-year-old boy died after falling from his bike during half term, an inquest in Pontypridd has heard.

Rufus Pomeroy from Bristol had been cycling along a “steep downhill” section of remote hilly terrain near Hay-on-Wye, Powys, with his father.

The coroner was told that Rufus was riding ahead of his dad who had paused to close a gate behind them.

But when his father caught up with him, he saw his bike on the ground near a utility pole and Rufus lying unconscious on his back near a fence.

Emergency services who attended the “isolated location” took Rufus to Hereford County Hospital where he later died.

The cause of death was given as “catastrophic head injury”.

Rufus who was a pupil at Redland Green School was described by headteacher Ben Houghton as “a lovely and valued member of our school community”.

He said his loss was “devastating” and that support measures had been put in place for pupils and staff.

South Wales Central Coroner Graeme Hughes said he had reason to suspect that Rufus’s death was “caused or contributed to by a violent incident”.

The inquest was adjourned to allow further investigation to take place.

Mr Hughes expressed his condolences to Rufus’ family and friends.