THE parents of a toddler rushed back from holiday in Pakistan to make the heart-rending decision to switch off his life support machine.

The youngster had stopped breathing after falling off a bed at their family home where he was being looked after by relatives.

An inquest opening heard that tragic 16-month-old Rayhan Hassan was taken to hospital after the incident in Gorse Road, Blackburn, on Saturday.

Relatives called 999 and paramedics gave Rayhan CPR at the scene.

The child was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, but his condition continued to deteriorate and he officially died at 2.15am on Wednesday.

Today his parents Hassan Akbar and Asma Hassan issued a statement.

They said: “We are shocked and distraught at the death of our beloved Rayhan.

"As parents we are completely devastated at losing our son.

“His brothers are heartbroken at losing their baby brother.

“We will always remember him as a smiling and happy child who blessed us with his love.

“It is very difficult time for the family and we do not wish any parent to go through what we have.

“This is a tragedy that we are still coming to terms with.”

Father Hassan, 31, was in Pakistan on a planned break with his wife Asma and three of their sons, all aged eight and under.

Rayhan had been left at home with relatives, including Mr Akbar’s brothers and their wives, because of the heat in Pakistan.

A relative said Mr Akbar wanted his son to stay in ‘safe and familiar environment’ with close-knit aunties, uncles and cousins who all live in the same detached house.

He was told the news immediately and flew straight back to England on the next available flight.

Rayhan was on a life support machine and the family were advised by doctors to turn it off.

The death has been referred to Blackburn police, whose specialist family protection unit officers are now working with the grieving parents to provide a report for the coroner.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

Their investigation will focus on how Rayhan died.

An initial post-mortem examination proved 'inconclusive' on the cause of death and further tests will now be made.

The case was transferred to Blackburn, Darwen and Ribble Valley coroner Michael Singleton yesterday morning by Liverpool Coroner's Office.

Coroner Michael Singleton adjourned the inquest for further tests to establish the cause of death. It will be mentioned on November 2.

The funeral takes place this afternoon at Raza Mosque in Randall Street, Blackburn, at 2.30pm.

The family said anyone who wants to pay their respects to Rayhan is welcome to attend.

Local councillor Arshid Mahmood said: “The Akbars are very close family friends.

"This is a terrible tragic accident that the family have to endure.

“I’m trying my best to support them in whatever way is needed.

“This is a big shock to the whole community to lose a small innocent child in these circumstances.

“Hundreds of people have been paying their respects which shows the feeling in the community.

“I want to pay tribute to the little one and offer my condolences to the parents.”