Murder arrests over baby girl’s death in woodland

A blue gazebo with white writing on it is a woodland area. Further into the woodland is a light-coloured tent. There is blue and white police tape around the scene. — Image caption,

A three-month-old baby girl died while she was camping with her family in woodland near Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire

ByAlex McIntyreWest Midlands

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a baby was found dead while camping with her family in Staffordshire.

The three-month-old girl died after emergency services were called to reports of a child in cardiac arrest in woodland off Strawberry Lane, near Cheslyn Hay, at 08:45 BST on Saturday.

The people arrested were a 42-year-old man and 30-year-old woman from south Staffordshire, a 20-year-old woman from Wolverhampton and an 18-year-old man from Walsall.

All four were detained at the scene and have since been bailed while inquiries continue, Staffordshire Police said.

Det Insp Josh Lee said officers were working to gather further evidence around the circumstances of the girl’s death and were “keeping an open mind”.

He said it was being treated as an isolated incident and urged people not to share “unconfirmed and speculative” claims online.

Image shows a country road with thick green foresty and vegetation either side. Three police officers are walking down the road, all wearing black uniform and hats, carrying items. One at the back has a flourescent jacket. — Image caption,

Police have been in the area making inquiries and reassuring the community

The scene of the tragedy was described as being “hidden away” from the main woodland in the Wyrley and Essington Branch Canal Local Nature Reserve.

It is not an official camping site but locals said people would often fish in two nearby pools, while the nature trail is also popular with dog walkers and runners.

Officers were in the area over the weekend to provide reassurance to the community and a bunch of roses was left nearby in tribute to the girl.

A cordon was in place around the scene, close to the fishing lake, where two camping tents had been pitched.

A bunch of roses are laid on their side by a wooden gate. In the distance is a police van parked on the grass verge next to a road. — Image caption,

Flowers were left at the scene in tribute to the baby girl

Residents living in Cheslyn Hay, which has a population of about 7,000 people, were said to have been left shocked by the child’s death.

Councillor Robert Duncan, of South Staffordshire Council, said the community was devastated and urged residents to “avoid speculation”.

People should “allow the family and responders the privacy and respect they deserve”, he added.

The superintendent of the Cannock Chase Methodist Church Circuit, Rev Samantha Hagerman, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends and emergency services affected by the incident near Cheslyn Hay yesterday.”

Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, described it as “extremely distressing news” which had caused a lot of concern in the area.

He also called for people not to speculate about what happened and to allow police to carry out their investigations.

“I am extremely grateful to the emergency services and my thoughts are with the child’s family at this incredibly upsetting time,” he said on Facebook.