Two arrested after baby’s unexplained death at Somerset home

A man and a woman have been arrested after the unexplained death of a baby in Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to a property in Crewkerne, Somerset , by the ambulance service after reports of a critically ill infant, before 2.45pm on August 16.

The baby was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is being treated as unexplained following an initial forensic postmortem examination.

A force spokesperson said a man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child. Both have been released under investigation as officers continue their enquiries.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called to a residential property in Crewkerne by the ambulance service shortly before 2.45pm on Sunday 16 August.

"They informed us there was a young infant who was critically ill. Tragically, the baby was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"At this stage we are treating the cause of this sudden death as unexplained following an initial forensic postmortem examination.

"A decision was made to arrest a man and a woman on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child, so both parties had the opportunity to provide us with an account under caution, while in the presence of any legal representative they wished.

"They have both been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

“Our investigation into what happened remains at a very early stage. We would politely ask people not to speculate around the circumstances because there is still a great deal of information we need to ascertain and review to further our understanding of what occurred.

"We appreciate news of this child’s death will cause great sadness, particularly in the local community, however we would like to reassure people we do not believe there is any wider risk to public safety.”