Man and woman arrested on suspicion of murder after four-month-old baby dies from ‘catastrophic injuries’

A murder probe has been launched after a four-month-old baby died after suffering “catastrophic injuries”.

The baby girl died at on Monday afternoon, four months after she was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police have now arrested a 31-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man on suspicion of murder and have conducted a search at an address on Ashbourne Road in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Officers were initially called to Barnsley Hospital on 16 May after reports that a two-day-old baby had suffered catastrophic injuries.

She never recovered and died when life support was withdrawn on Monday.

The suspects are currently being held in police custody and are being questioned by detectives from South Yorkshire Police.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Etheridge, the senior investigating officer, said: "The injuries suffered by this little girl when she was just two days old were so catastrophic that she could not recover and her life support was withdrawn after four months.

"Our thoughts are with those affected and our specialist officers are supporting them throughout this incredibly difficult time…

“Two people are in custody and we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances leading up to this child's death."

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, but the cause of death has yet to be determined.

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The police chief added that while he understood people would be shocked by the girl's death, he was keen for people to not speculate on social media.

Etheridge added: "I know that the local community will be shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her death and it's important that people feel able to talk about their concerns but I urge everyone to be mindful of what they post on social media, and not to speculate on what may have occurred.

The arrested paid were released on police bail on Wednesday evening.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 207 of 16 September.

Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.