A CORONER has expressed concerns over safety precautions and supervision at the Blackburn canalside pub where a two-year-old boy drowned on Saturday.

Opening an inquest into the tragic death of Joe Hutcheon, coroner Andre Rebello said he would eventually be investigating the circumstances leading up to Joe's death at the Moorings public house which is on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Mr Rebello said he was concerned about the easy access to the canal for a child of Joe's age.

He said: "I am also concerned as to what security and safety precautions there are in this family public house which is situated on the canal. I am hoping that statements taken by the police will deal with what supervision there was on that tragic afternoon."

The coroner revealed that medical staff at Blackburn Royal Infirmary had battled for more than three hours to save Joe who was just two weeks short of his third birthday.

The inquest was adjourned until April 30 and Joe's funeral is due to take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour tomorrow. Meanwhile safety experts have also underlined the dangers of water to young children.

Roger Vincent, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said 25 children under five drowned in Britain last year and open water was a particular risk.

He said: "This is another tragic reminder of the dangers to all parents and to anyone who has water on their land.

"If a child gets out on their own and spots water, they will probably head straight for it. At that age they don't understand the risk and they don't have the co-ordination to get themselves out of trouble.

"Young children are very unpredictable and parents have to be very vigilant but it's not easy. At that age children move very fast and it's easy for parents to be caught off guard."

Mr Vincent advised parents going to a new place such as a holiday camp or pub to ask if there was water nearby so they were aware of potential dangers.

RoSPA carry out risk assessments for anyone who has property near water to highlight problems and find ways of preventing accidents before they happen.

Mr Vincent said these were vital for businesses with water nearby, especially pubs, as last year there were 79 alcohol-related drownings. Young men are the most likely to drown in inland waters.

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