Woman sectioned over burned baby

Last updated at 09:54 23 April 2004


Detectives are today attempting to discover if a three-week-old boy found with horrific burns was dumped in an oven before his death.

Officers are searching a house in Grimwade Close, Peckham, south-east London, where the child was discovered in the early hours of yesterday.

The boy, who has not been named, was confirmed dead in King's College Hospital at around 1.05pm, nine hours after paramedics rushed him from the scene for treatment.

It is understood the infant was not discovered inside an oven at the address, but police said inquiries will establish if he suffered the burns after being placed inside the cooker.

Woman arrested

A 39-year-old woman was later arrested and sectioned under the Mental Health Act, but police refused to say what relationship she had to the baby.

Relatives of the child are being supported by a family liaison officer and have been informed of the results of a post-mortem examination.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We were called at 3.45am yesterday by the ambulance to a baby suffering injuries. The three-week-old was taken to King's College Hospital suffering burns and died at 1.05pm."

He confirmed that a post-mortem examination was carried out at Great Ormond Street mortuary, but said police will not discuss the cause of death.

Detective Chief Inspector David Marshall, leading the inquiry, said: "This was a tragic and traumatic incident and a family liaison officer has been appointed to the family.

"Detectives from the Child Protection Command Major Investigation Team will be conducting house to house enquiries today and speaking to witnesses already identified. The examination of the scene will continue."

Police said arrangements are being made for an inquest into the death to be opened.

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