Police will not bring charges after woman's death following Cornish Obby Oss celebrations

A police force has announced it would bring no criminal charges following the death of a Cornish woman who was injured during traditional May Day celebrations.

Laura Smallwood, 34, suffered a severe neck injury after hundreds of people had gathered in the streets of Padstow to mark the centuries-old Obby Oss event.

Devon and Cornwall Police said no-one would be charged in relation to her death, after investigating reports she had been assaulted earlier that evening, or had been struck by a person wearing the traditional Obby Oss horse costume.

A force spokesperson said: "Officers have decided that there would be no criminal charges brought against any person linked to Laura's death.

"Laura's family are aware of this decision and have worked closely with detectives throughout the investigation.

"Police would like to thank the public for their assistance throughout this investigation."

Mrs Smallwood's death has now been referred to the Cornwall coroner.

Emergency services were called at about 7.35pm on May 1, after she collapsed and became unresponsive.

Mrs Smallwood, a mother-of-two from Padstow, was resuscitated and airlifted to Derriford Hospital with a serious neck injury.

She died in hospital the following Saturday morning. The traditional May Day event attracts thousands of visitors to Cornwall every year.

A traditional gyrating dance is performed to the sound of drums as locals sing folk songs and a "Teazer" leads a parade.

The celebrations, which run for several hours, see residents split into two teams - one following a red-ribboned Oss and the other a blue one.

It is not clear how the custom originated.  Some suggest it was an ancient fertility rite, others that it was to deter a French invasion centuries ago.

Participants are accompanied by drummers and triangle and accordion players.

Residents have admitted the event can attract rowdy and  aggressive behaviour.

Police previously investigated reports that Mrs Smallwood may have been struck by the Blue Ribbon Obby Oss, which was examined and returned to its owners with the Health and Safety Executive informed.