Cumbria couple arrested on suspicion of murdering baby they were set to adopt

One-year-old boy died while living at their home in Barrow

Furness Genera Hospital in Barrow, Cumbria (PA)

A couple have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a baby boy they were set to adopt.

The man and woman were detained by police after the one-year-old died while living at their home in the northwest town of Barrow.

The child was still under the care of Cumbria County Council but was staying with the couple before his adoption was formally confirmed by the courts.

Police were called to their home by North West Ambulance Service after paramedics were called there on 6 January.

The baby was initially taken to the town’s Furness General Hospital but then transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in Liverpool, for specialist medical care. He died a day later.

The couple, who are aged 37 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have since been bailed.

They were also held for causing and allowing the death of a child and two other counts of assault, ill treatment, neglect or abandoning a child.

The council has recommended an independent safeguarding review is carried out.

John Readman, executive director of people at the authority, said: “This is a deeply distressing case and our thoughts are with the little boy’s family.

“We can confirm that he was looked after by the local authority and at the time of his death was placed with adoptive parents.

“The county council, as part of the Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership, has recommended that a full independent safeguarding review is carried out.

“A police investigation is also ongoing, and so we are unable to make any further comment at this stage.”