Three-month-old girl dies ‘while camping with family’ in Staffordshire woodland, police reveal after launching probe into ‘unexplained’ death
The child who died in woodland in Staffordshire yesterday was a three-month-old baby girl who is understood to have been camping with her family, police have said.
Detectives investigating the ‘unexplained’ death said their investigation is in the early stages but that it was an ‘isolated incident’.
Officers remain in the area today on land off Strawberry Lane, Great Wyrley, where the baby went into cardiac arrest yesterday at around 8.45am.
The little girl was pronounced dead by paramedics a short time later.
Officers are carrying out enquiries to understand more about what happened.
Detective Inspector Katie Gregory said: ‘While the investigation remains at an early stage, this is an isolated incident and we understand that the child’s family was camping in the area.
‘The death is being treated as unexplained at this time.’
Officers yesterday cordoned off a fishing lake in the Wyrley and Essington Branch Canal Local Nature Reserve.
Pictures from the scene on land off Strawberry Lane, Great Wyrley show a tent in the wooded area near a pond
Staffordshire Police said the baby girl’s death was being treated as unexplained and officers remain at the scene (officers are pictured here yesterday on September 5)
Officers and an air ambulance rushed to a wooded area near Strawberry Lane in Great Wyrley after reports of a child in cardiac arrest at around 8.45am on Saturday
The circumstances surrounding the baby’s death remain unclear. One witness said she directed paramedics towards the area around the fishing lake.
Drone images from the scene show at least four tents and camping chairs positioned next to each other, close to fishing platforms.
Robert Duncan, district councillor for Cheslyn Hay, said: ‘I know how deeply upsetting news like this is for our community.
‘It’s important that we allow the emergency services the space they need to complete their work with dignity and care. ‘
‘As soon as the full and confirmed details are formally shared with me, I will provide a further update to residents.
‘Until then, please avoid speculation and allow the family and responders the privacy and respect they deserve.’
