Woman held over death of youngster

A WOMAN has been detained following the death of a child in Oldham, prompting a referral to the police watchdog over “previous contact” between officers and those involved.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were called to a property in the Limeside area of Oldham on New Year’s Eve where “a child was sadly pronounced dead at the scene”.

An investigation into the circumstances of the death has been launched and a woman in her 30s has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

GMP has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over “previous police contact”.

Det Supt Chris Packer added: “Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones at this heart-breaking time. Specialist officers will offer them support.

“Our investigation is in the early stages and we’d ask anyone with information to contact us or Crimestoppers immediately.

“Due to previous police contact, this incident has been referred to our Professional Standards Branch and will be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This sad news is bound to cause distress in the community but I would like to offer reassurance that we are doing everything we can to establish the circumstances.”

Police were called to a home in Elm Road in Limeside by paramedics at around 6.20pm.

GMP have not given details on the nature or timing of their previous contact with the household, but the

‘We are doing everything we can to establish the circumstances’

previous engagement is cause for a referral to the IOPC.

The watchdog is tasked with independently investigating complaints against police forces in England and Wales, and incidents of death and serious injury following police contact are referred to the body.

Oldham council has given no indication that social services were in contact with the household, and the local authority has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.