Police investigating as baby girl dies within 24 hours of being born
Dominic Smithers
Featured Image Credit: Family handout / Russell Hart / Alamy
An investigation has been launched after a baby girl died just 24 hours after she was born.
Polly Lindop tragically died within a day of being born at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester on 13 March this year.
Following her death, concerns were raised around the care the newborn received in the hours after her birth.
And now, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the circumstances around the little girl's passing.
The force said that detectives from its Major Incident Team are looking into possible Gross Negligence Manslaughter.
A spokesperson for the GMP said concerns around Polly's death were initially 'raised to the coroner and GMP'.
"After careful consideration, GMP's major incident team are investigating possible gross negligence manslaughter," the spokesperson added.
As part of the inquiries, a number of staff at St Mary's have been spoken to.
However, as of yet, no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
In a statement, Polly's family said they were devastated by her death.
"As Polly’s parents, we would like to thank everyone at GMP for their continual efforts everyday in gaining us answers," it read.
"Our beautiful brave baby girl Polly, we love you and miss you every day. Sleep tight my darling."
Speaking about the investigation, DCI Mark Davis of GMP’s Major Incident Team shared his condolences with Polly's family.
"First, I want to express my condolences to the parents of Polly at what is an extremely difficult time for them," he said.
"Our thoughts will remain with them as we carry out our investigation. A number of hospital staff have been spoken to as witnesses by officers and no arrests have been made at this time.
“The hospital trust has been fully cooperative with the police and all relevant authorities have been kept informed.
"The investigation into Polly’s death is on-going and her family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677