A three-year-old boy died after being hit by an agricultural vehicle at his father's farm in Tottington, an inquest has heard.

An inquest into the death of Albie Speakman opened at Rochdale Coroner's Court this morning, Tuesday.

The court heard Albie was struck by a farm vehicle at the farm of his father, Neil Speakman, on Saturday, July 16 this year.

The type of vehicle was not mentioned during the inquest but police previously reported it was a tractor. 

Emergency services were called to the farm off Bentley Hall Road following the horrific incident and Albie was pronounced dead in an ambulance.

His death was confirmed when he arrived at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

The youngster was identified by mother, Leah Bridge, that day.

Police coroners officer Jane Scullion told the court: "Albie was with his father at his farm when he was struck by a farm vehicle.

"The police investigation is ongoing."

She confirmed the cause of death from the postmortem investigation was given as a head injury.

Coroner Catherine Mckenna said: "I am satisfied an inquest is required by law."

She ordered a review for September 13, and requested an update from the police into the investigation into the death of Albie, from Crosby Road in Bolton, on the occasion.

After his death, Albie’s mother Leah described her son as her “little sunshine boy”.

She said: “Albie was an incredibly loving, affectionate and caring boy who just wanted everyone to be happy.

“He was so sensitive and wanted everyone to be OK, especially the people that he loved.

“He loved to play, whether it be with his family or friends at nursery. He would always look for little round things wherever he went – stones, polystyrene balls, bouncy balls, beads – I’m not sure why but he just loved anything round, he would just hold on to them.

“His favourite memories are at Cleethorpes beach, with his bucket and spade and his ball. His happiest days were on that beach.

"We were so free and didn’t have any cares in the world. It was just me and Albie and nothing else mattered.

“Whenever I’d ask him what he wanted to do, he’d want to go on holiday to the beach again. That’s how I know he was truly happy there.

“We all love Albie so much more than we can ever put into words, especially his Nan and his ‘Nanny-Nanny’ as he would always call her.

“I will miss absolutely everything about Albie – his voice, his smile, the smell of his skin and the feel of his little hands on my face when he would say, ‘I love you, mummy girl.'"