A TWO-YEAR-OLD boy found unresponsive in a lake at a Hampshire nature reserve has died.

A boy found unconscious in water at Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve has died in hospital, according to police.

The boy was rushed to Southampton General Hospital after emergency services scrambled to the nature reserve off Sopwith Way at around 8.20pm on Sunday.

Having spent the week in hospital, police have announced the youngster died today.

Officers are now investigating how the boy came to be in the water.

They have launched an appeal and want to hear from anyone who was in this area between 7.45pm and 8.30pm.

Detective Inspector Matt Gillooly, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a very sad case, and our thoughts remain with the child’s family at this time.

“We are still trying to establish exactly how this boy came to be in the water, and we are keeping an open mind regarding the circumstances.

“As part of our investigation, we want to speak to everyone who was at the reserve between 7.45pm and 8.30pm. We know there was a female dog walker with a small dog in the area at this time.

“Was this you? Please call us if you were there. Equally, we want to identify everyone who was there as any information, no matter how small, could prove significant.”

An 18-year-old man from Southampton, who is known to the boy, was arrested in connection with the incident and has been bailed until June 27.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting 44210210811.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.