Woman dies after suffering neck injury during Padstow’s May Day festival

A woman has died after being injured during annual Obby Oss May Day celebrations.

Laura Smallwood, 34, suffered a serious neck wound after collapsing at the event in Padstow, Cornwall, on Wednesday.

She was reportedly struck by the Obby Oss, the large hobby horse object at the heart of the custom.

Laura died in hospital of her injuries, police said today.

Devon and Cornwall Police are now appealing for witnesses.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Laura's family at this very sad time," said Detective Inspector Paul Norlund.

"We continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry to establish how Laura sustained her injuries.

"At this time, we would like to hear from any witnesses and anyone with information, particularly anyone with any relevant mobile phone or camera footage taken around the event."

Were you at the event? Contact [email protected]

Police say Laura’s family have been informed and request privacy at this time.

The traditional event sees a procession of dancers make their way through Padstow, Cornwall, with stylised recreations of two horses – known as the Osses.

The dancers parade through the town accompanied by drummers and triangle and accordion players.

One of the recreated horses – the Blue Ribbon Obby Oss – has been examined and returned, and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Speaking on Wednesday night, Detective Inspector Pete Found, based at St Austell, Cornwall, said: “We are following a number of lines of enquiry to establish how the woman sustained her injuries.

"We would like to hear from any witnesses to either reported incident and would especially like to request any relevant mobile phone or camera footage taken around the event."

Anybody with information or footage is asked to contact police via [email protected] or by phone on 101, quoting log number 116 of 01/05/19.

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