Opportunities ‘were missed’ to save murdered toddler

Care workers “missed opportunities” to save a toddler who was murdered by his mother and her partner, a review has found.

An independent report said that while two-year-old Liam Fee’s death “could not have been predicted”, staff for multiple services lacked “professional curiosity” over injuries caused by Rachel Trelfa, 32, and her civil partner, Nyomi Fee, 31. The pair, from Ryton, Tyne and Wear, were jailed for life last July for murdering Liam at his home near Glenrothes, Fife, in March 2014.

The report said the couple’s explanation that Liam was “self-harming” was not sufficiently challenged and a more complete medical assessment would have found the injuries were likely from child abuse.