The family of an eight-year-old boy who died last month after being shot at a Cumbrian farm have spoken out about their son.

Jay Cartmell died after suffering ‘life threatening injuries to the head and face’ on 28 September at a farm.

Police said that emergency services had been called to the scene at around 2:50pm that day, with the boy sadly dying overnight.

Officers said that a firearm had been secured at the scene and the eight-year-old had been taken to hospital via air ambulance before he died.

In a statement released through Cumbria Police, his family said: “We are heartbroken at the passing of our perfect little boy – Jay Cartmell, 8 years.

“He was loving, kind and full of mischief, the best boy that anyone could wish for and the third corner of our beautiful family ‘triangle’.

“Jay loved being outdoors, the muddier he could get the better and was starting to follow in the footsteps of his Dad with his obsession for Speedway at Workington, where he first attended aged 1 years.

The boy’s parents have spoken about who their eight-year-old son was. (Cumbria Police)

“He always went to the Pit to fist bump his heroes, local racers Harry and Sam McGurk. Jay was a talented rider himself and was showing real promise for the sport.

“Jay was a defender at Whitehaven Miners Football Club. He would occasionally score a goal, albeit an own goal, but that didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. His favourite player was Erling Haaland and he had a dream to move to Brazil and to meet Lionel Messi.

“Jay enjoyed fishing and rabbiting with his Dad and helped care for the family pets:- 4 lurchers, 5 ferrets and his own bearded dragon (Spike) which he received following a school achievement. He loved school and had a talent for maths.

The eight-year-old died after being shot at a farm in Cumbria. (PA News)

“Jay was extremely loved, not only by us, but by all who met him. He had fantastic friends and always had a smile on his face. We will miss him every day, but his love surrounds us and his memory will never fade.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who have looked after Jay:- The Air Ambulance Service; PICU, Ward 12 RVI and the Snowdrop Suite at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

“Also special thanks to the Workington Speedway Supporters Club for their amazing donations; JD Autos and Fellview Surgery for their ongoing support; the Workington Comets, especially Andrew Bain, for a special gift which we will treasure forever and to Whitehaven Miners for all that they have done and continue to do in Jay’s honour.”