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Grandfather's tribute to 'beautiful child' Oliver Scullion killed in Hilden Brewery accident

Oliver Scullion died in an accident at Hilden Brewery
Oliver Scullion died in an accident at Hilden Brewery Oliver Scullion died in an accident at Hilden Brewery

The grandfather of a four-year-old boy killed in an accident at Ireland's oldest craft brewery has described him as "a beautiful child, full of life and enthusiasm for everything he did."?

Oliver Scullion died yesterday in an accident that is believed to have happened as a huge holding tank was being moved at Hilden Brewery.

His grandfather Seamus Scullion said "It is difficult to come to terms with life without him. We will miss him more than words can express."

Oliver was due to start school in September and had been enrolled in Harmony Hill Primary School. His father Owen, who was last night being treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital for injuries suffered in the same accident, is the brewer-manager.

It is believed the accident happened while a tank was being moved on the property. Another brewer was also injured and treated in Lagan Valley Hospital before being released.

Health and safety inspectors are investigating and a spokeswoman offered "our deepest sympathy to the family".

"HSENI has been notified of the death of a young child at a commercial premises in the Lisburn area and is investigating the circumstances," she said.

"We are unable to comment further at this stage."

Seamus and his wiffe Ann founded Hilden Brewey in 1981.

A family statement released yesterday said: "The Scullion-Hanna family is deeply upset by the death of a family member in an accident at the Hilden brewery today.

"The family would like to request privacy at this very difficult time."

Lisburn councillor Pat Catney, a family friend, described the "a force of nature".

"This little blond four-year-old wonder enchanted everyone who met him," he said.

"Where you saw Owen or Seamus you saw the wee fella. He was always with his dad and granda. He was part of the life here at the brewery and I know that the staff are also devastated at his death."

A PSNI spokesman said: "Police are currently in attendance at the sudden death of a child in commercial premises in the Grand Street area of Lisburn."