Crewkerne baby death: man and woman arrested in Somerset investigation

A baby was found dead at a property in Crewkerne, Somerset, on 16 August. Two suspects have been released under investigation as police treat the death as unexplained.

Baby death in Crewkerne: two arrested as cause remains unexplained

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child after a baby was found dead at a residential property in Crewkerne, Somerset, The Independent reports.

Avon and Somerset Police were contacted by the ambulance service shortly before 2.45pm on Sunday 16 August, following reports of a critically ill infant. The baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

An initial forensic postmortem examination has not established a clear cause of death, and officers are treating the case as unexplained. Both individuals have since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

A force spokesperson said the arrests were made to allow each person the opportunity to provide an account under caution, in the presence of any legal representative of their choosing.

"Our investigation into what happened remains at a very early stage," the spokesperson said. "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."

Police also sought to address community concern in the wake of the child's death, stating they do not believe there is any wider risk to public safety. The force acknowledged that news of the infant's death would cause significant sadness, particularly among residents in the local area.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Source: The Independent