Detectives investigating death of baby boy in Hapton appealing for Towneley Park witnesses to come forward

Detectives investigating the death of a baby in Hapton are continuing to appeal for witnesses.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Officers were called around 1-20pm on Tuesday, March 1, to an address in the village, following reports a baby had suffered a medical episode.

Emergency services attended and the child was taken to Manchester Children’s Hospital for treatment, however he died March 5. His family are currently being supported by specially-trained officers.

Read More
Police investigation launched following tragic death of baby in Hapton
Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnessesDetectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses
Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A 60-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both from Burnley, were arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances which led to the child’s death and are keen to hear from anybody who was in Towneley Park, Burnley, between 10am and 2pm on Tuesday, March 1, and saw a woman pushing a pram, accompanied by other children.

In particular, they would like to speak to two female dog walkers, who helped the woman and the children getting up a steep hill. One of the dog walkers was a medical professional, potentially an anaesthetist, and one of the dogs was a Springer Spaniel or a similar breed.

Detectives also want to speak to anybody who saw a white Mitsubishi Outlander parked in the Towneley Park car park between the times above.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

DCI Allen Davies, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said police were still trying to establish exactly what happened, and urged members of the public not to speculate on what was an “extremely complex investigation”.

“First and foremost my thoughts remain with the baby’s loved ones at this extremely distressing time,” he said.

“We are continuing to work hard to establish exactly what led to his death. I would like to stress that we are keeping an open mind and would ask the public not to speculate on what is an extremely complex investigation. I would ask anybody with information which could help with our investigation to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anybody with any information that could potentially help police should call 101, quoting log 614 of March 1st, 2022 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Related topics: