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Lia’s parents’ internet death threats claim
HEARTBREAK: Richard Green and Natalie Critchley
A couple arrested on suspicion of murdering their daughter have claimed they have been subjected to death threats.
Lia Green, 3, of Norris Street, Plungington, Preston, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital on Thursday after falling ill at home.
The toddler was pronounced dead on arrival.
Her parents Richard Green, 22, and Natalie Critchley, 20, were released from custody yesterday and will answer bail in Preston on Tuesday, October 16.
Lia’s grandfather and Richard’s father, Steve Rimmer, said the pair were now staying in a secret hotel out of fear for their safety.
Mr Rimmer, 47, of Ribbleton, said: “They have received death threats which we have to take seriously, so they can’t go home.
“The family have seen these threats on Facebook.
“Under their bail conditions we’ve had to find somewhere for them to stay without any children living there, which strikes out the whole family.
“They can’t stay at my home because everybody knows them.
“We’re arguing with the police and saying this is bang out of order. It is horrendous.
“They have left them in limbo and are putting their two lives in danger.
They can’t even mourn for Lia because they are still trapped in this battle.
“In the last three days I’ve had six hours sleep.
“That’s how much it’s screwing me up, but it’s nothing compared to what they are going through.”
A post-mortem found Lia had died of “significant internal injuries caused by violence”.
However, Mr Rimmer said Lia was running around a park near her home on Wednesday before being sick that evening, and said the family believed her death was the result of a tragic accident.
Lancashire Police confirmed officers were still treating the case as a murder investigation.
A spokesman said officers were working closely with the family.
She said: “We are supporting the family at this time and we are assessing the potential threats within the local community to make sure it is safe for them.”
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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