Mother charged with baby boy's murder

The mother of a 10-day-old baby boy who died yesterday has been charged with his murder, police said today.

Officers and ambulance crews were called to an address in Brixham, Devon, just after 11am on Tuesday, following a report that the child had stopped breathing.

The boy was taken from the house at Pine Close to Torbay Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

A 30-year-old local woman has been charged with murder, remanded in custody, and was due to appear before magistrates in Torquay this afternoon.

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of this tragic incident and the cause of death.

"The next-of-kin are aware but at this stage the name of the child is not being released and the press is asked to respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time."

Detective Inspector Steve Parker of the Major Crime Investigation Team said: "The investigation is at an early stage and forensic examinations of the scene are ongoing.

"This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family during what must be a terrible time for them.

"A dedicated team of detectives are working on the inquiry and will be working closely with our partner agencies to establish the exact circumstances that led to this death."