Probe into death of ‘deeply loved’ baby may consider social workers’ actions

Police are investigating after a baby born prematurely died at the age of seven months while under a social services spotlight.

The little girl was the subject of family court litigation, as a result of bosses at Lancashire County Council launching care proceedings, and detail of the case has emerged in a judge’s ruling.

Judge Ross Duggan, who oversees cases at family courts in the north west, said social workers had agreed to the little girl living with her mother under the terms of a care order.

She had died earlier this month about two weeks after being discharged from hospital.

The judge has recorded the little girl’s death and outlined background to the case in a ruling.

He has not identified the family or revealed where the little girl was living.

“The court records with sadness the death of a seven-month-old baby who was currently the subject of care proceedings,” said Judge Duggan in his ruling.

“She was born very prematurely in September 2016 and such was her delicate state that she remained in hospital for many months.

“On 5 April 2017 she was discharged home to her mother’s care.

“On 18 April 2017 mother reported a serious deterioration in her condition.

“The baby had collapsed and was admitted to hospital where she died on 21 April 2017.”

He said Lancashire council social services bosses had begun care proceedings while the little girl was in hospital.

“With the sad death of the child consideration by this court is at an end,” said Judge Duggan.

“However the cause of death is the subject of a police investigation and there will be a coroner’s inquest.

“If relevant to the death, the inquest will be able to consider the placement of the baby in her mother’s care.”

He added: “The baby was deeply loved by her family, including her parents.

“The court sends them all our deepest sympathy.”

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