Toddler, 2, is in a critical condition after being pulled from lake as teenager, 18, arrested 

A two-year-old boy is in a critical condition in hospital after being pulled from a lake at a nature reserve in Hampshire yesterday.

Hampshire Constabulary are appealing for witnesses after the boy was found unresponsive in water at Swanwick Lake, near Fareham.

The force said that an 18-year-old man from Southampton, who officers said is known to the boy, has been arrested in connection with the incident. 

A forensic officer at the scene at Swanwick Lake in Hampshire where the boy was pulled from the water last night

Hampshire Constabulary have arrested an 18-year-old man from Southampton, who is known to the boy and is understood to have been with him. Police vehicles pictured at the scene 

Emergency services dashed to the scene after being called at 8.21pm on Sunday and firefighters managed to pull the boy from the lake. 

He was then rushed 12 miles by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital, Hampshire, where police today said he was in a ‘critical but stable condition’. 

Officers are appealing for information and would like to hear from anyone who was in the area between 7.45pm and 8.30pm as they investigate how the boy came to be in the water.

A force spokesman said: ‘We are appealing for witnesses after a boy was found unresponsive in water at Swanwick Lake yesterday evening (Sunday 30 May).

The toddler was found unresponsive in the water at Swanwick Lake (pictured), near Fareham, Hampshire, yesterday evening

General view of Swanwick Lake as a body was found in the water last night

‘Officers were called at 8.21pm and attended along with the ambulance service and fire service, who got the two-year-old boy out of the water.

‘The child was subsequently taken to Southampton General Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

‘We’re investigating the circumstances surrounding how the boy came to be in the water, and officers would like to hear from anyone who was in this area between 7.45pm and 8.30pm. 

‘An 18-year-old man from Southampton, who is known to the boy, has been arrested in connection with this incident and is assisting us with enquiries.’ 

General view of Swanwick Lake as a body was found in the water last night

The 36 hectare site of Swanwick Lakes was once a clay pit for a local brick works

Detective Inspector Toby Elcock said: ‘We know this incident will come as a shock to the local community, but we ask people to please not speculate as we follow up all lines of inquiry to establish how the boy came to be in the water.

‘We are keeping an open mind as to what has happened, and we are keen to speak to anyone in the area to help us build up a picture of the circumstances.

‘If you were in the area at this time, please call us. Any information, no matter how small, could prove significant, so please do get in touch.’ 

The 36 hectare site of Swanwick Lakes was once a clay pit for a local brick works.

It is described by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust as ‘a beautiful oasis for nature in an otherwise urban area. A mixture of woodland, lakes and meadows attracts a large array of species’.

The lakes and ponds around the site are said to be prime locations for dragonflies and damselflies, ‘including unusual species such as the downy emerald’.

People are asked to contact officers on 101 quoting 44210210811 or through charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.