A toddler suffocated to death after he got his head stuck in a goal net at his nursery.

Tragic Enrico Braga Souza was found motionless with his head trapped in the football goal net in the playground of his nursery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 31st August.

After a teacher found him caught in the net, he was taken to a local primary healthcare unit.

From there, he was transferred to an ambulatory medical care facility, but medics were unable to save his life.

He was one year and seven months old.

Police spokesman Douglas Dias Torres said little Enrico had been taking part in a game on the nursery’s football pitch when the tragic accident occurred.

He told local media: “I believe he put his neck through a gap in the net and he may have lost his balance and was unable to touch the ground with his hands.

“And, due to the weight of his own body, that may have caused this accident.

“He remained there and later fainted.”

Dias Torres added that the case “possibly leads to a manslaughter charge”.

At the time of reporting, police were awaiting a report confirming whether the cause of death was asphyxiation.

They are also studying security camera footage.

The City Hall of Sao Paulo has also opened its own probe into the tragic event.

In a statement, the City Hall said: “The child was attended by an emergency team, which carried out all the necessary procedures to try to revive him from a cardiorespiratory arrest, unfortunately without success.

“The service began at UBS Jardim Seckler, where first aid was performed, with an attempt to resuscitation of the patient, and immediate transfer to AMA Sacoma.”

Five teachers and 18 children were present at the time, said police.

The nursery in question – CEI Meninos – will remain closed until Monday, 5th August.