OWNERS of the pond where Ashley Dorling died today said they had taken steps to deter people from using the pond.

OWNERS of the pond where Ashley Dorling died today said they had taken steps to deter people from using the pond.

However James Moody, Managing Director, Crest Nicholson (Eastern) which developed the site said that a number of parties owned the pond.

According to Ipswich council leader Liz Harsant, documents held at Grafton House show that the developers own almost all the pond - and have a duty of care to ensure it is as safe as possible.

Mr Moody said: “The pond is in the ownership of a number of parties. Crest Nicholson have put in place fencing and planting specifically with the intention of deterring use of the pond.

“We understand from Suffolk Police that the boy's death is being treated as unexplained and we are co-operating with the relevant authorities in their investigations.

“Our sympathy and thoughts are with the boy's family and friends at this difficult time.”

Mrs Harsant said the borough had no direct involvement in ensuring the safety of ponds on private land - but said everyone in the town had been saddened by Ashley's death.

“This has been dreadful and makes it clear to all of us just how dangerous ponds can be - and how we all have to be very careful with them,” she said.