Watchdog takes over investigation into death of 10-year-old girl killed in landslide during school trip

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is now leading the investigation into the death of a 10-year-old schoolgirl who died when a landslide occurred during a school trip.

Leah Harrison, from Darlington, County Durham, tragically lost her life in May this year.

A student at Mount Pleasant Primary School, Leah was traveling to the Carlton Adventure Center when the incident occurred along a “popular” walking route.

Facing a yellow weather warning on the day in question, it was reported that the area had experienced a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours, which contributed to the landslide.

Rescue teams described conditions after the landslide as “very bad”, adding that wet weather resulted in fog and mist, which increased the difficulty of a possible rescue.

North Yorkshire Police had previously been involved in the investigation, but it has now been confirmed that the HSE will take control.

Leah Harrison, 10, (pictured) from Darlington was tragically killed in a landslide during a school trip

The area around Carlton Bank saw almost a month's rain in one day

The area around Carlton Bank saw almost a month's rain in one day

A map showing where the children were staying at the Carlton Adventure Center and where the landslide occurred at Carlton Bank, near the North York Moors National Park

A map showing where the children were staying at the Carlton Adventure Center and where the landslide occurred at Carlton Bank, near the North York Moors National Park

Drone footage shows the landslides that killed Leah, who was on an educational forest walk during a residential school trip just days after finishing her SATs exams near Carlton-in-Cleveland, North Yorkshire

Drone footage shows the landslides that killed Leah, who was on an educational forest walk during a residential school trip just days after finishing her SATs exams near Carlton-in-Cleveland, North Yorkshire

Following her death, Leah's family issued a moving tribute in which they shared her dream of one day becoming a Lioness of England.

'The beautiful smile, the dizzying laugh, the silly jokes. You will never be forgotten, girl.

'You will achieve your dream and become a Lioness player. Spread those wings. May you rest in peace,” the Harrison family said.

The week following Leah's tragic passing, the family received a heartfelt tribute from England's own Lionesses ahead of their game against France at Wembley Stadium.

Before kick-off, England captain Leah Williamson was seen holding a shirt with 'Harrison' printed on the back as the teams lined up for the national anthems.

The screens at each end of Wembley Stadium also displayed a message of tribute to Leah, in what was undoubtedly a touching moment for the Harrison family.

England captain Leah Williamson holds a shirt in honor of Leah Harrison as the team lines up before kick-off

England captain Leah Williamson holds a shirt in honor of Leah Harrison as the team lines up before kick-off

Leah appeared on the big screen at St James' Park 10 minutes into the game to honor his memory

Leah appeared on the big screen at St James' Park 10 minutes into the game to honor his memory

Lingfield Education Trust Chief Executive Nick Blackburn also issued a statement on behalf of Leah's school, paying tribute to the “joyful student” and saying the trust was in a “state of shock”.

Mr. Blackburn said; 'Leah wanted to be a Lioness. She was a friendly, lovely and cheerful student at school, well-liked by her friends and the school community.

Hundreds of families, including friends from Leah's school, also gathered at the playground near Cocker Beck in Darlington on May 27 to release balloons in her memory.

Colorful balloons floated in the skies over Darlington in the emotional tribute.

Among them were balloons with the inscription “10”, a reference to Leah's age, and footballs for the aspiring Lioness of England.

There were tears and applause as they were released after a brief countdown.