Shock death of Burnley boy Elijah (2)

Two-year-old Elijah Solomon Peters died in the early hours of last Tuesday morning after suffering a fit during the night leaving his parents Solomon and Bilkis devastated.

Devout Christian Mr Peter (28) said the family, from Straight Mile Court, was still trying to come to terms with their terrible loss of Elijah who he said was a “funny and loving” little boy.

The couple, who have another boy Adam (7) say they have been surrounded by love from friends and family since the tragic news.

Mr Peter said: “Elijah had a slight temperature the night before and we gave him some Calpol. He was a healthy boy and hadn’t been ill, so we are struggling to come to terms with this.

“Elijah was funny, loving, full of joy and naughty. He was really cute and a special boy. His favourite cartoon character was Special Agent Oso.

“My faith is very important to me. I’m taking comfort that he is now with God in a better place.”

Mr Peter, who is well-known in the town from his Kool Kids children’s clothing store in Burnley Market Hall, is an active member of the Life Church in Gannow.

His father, the Rev. Christopher Peter, was Burnley’s first ever Asian clergyman when he was ordained into the Church of England and took up a post as curate of St Andrew’s Church in Duke Bar. He is currently the head chaplain at Liverpool Royal Hospital.

“Bilkis and I would like to thank all our friends and family who have been so supportive this last week. I would particularly like to thank our friends at the Life Church who have been absolutely amazing, and my kind fellow traders at Burnley Market.”

A post-mortem examination could not find a cause of death and East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor has asked for further tests to be carried out. An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday morning.

Elijah’s funeral will take place at the Life Church, Sycamore Avenue, on Thursday at 10-30 a.m. before burial at Burnley Cemetery.