Couple arrested after death of baby found 'seriously unwell' in Hythe flats

A MONTH-OLD baby boy has died after being found “seriously unwell” at a flat in Hythe where a couple living there were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The boy, one of twins, died in Southampton General Hospital on Wednesday after being rushed there around 10am on Saturday morning.

A woman aged (25) and a male aged (41) were arrested after police and ambulance were called to the baby’s home in Knightwood Road but were later released although police say they are still under investigation.

This week neighbours of the 25-year-old woman, believed to be the baby’s mum, told the A&T of their “utter” shock at what had happened.

Neighbour Stuart Eden (27) said: “There were police everywhere. They have been here for days along with forensics. They’ve been asking everyone if we heard anything on Saturday morning but we didn’t.

“The first we knew something was wrong was when paramedics arrived followed by half a dozen police cars.”

He lives two doors away from where the couple live. The woman is said to have a three-year old girl and gave birth to twins around a month ago.

The flat, which is in a three-storey block, has Peppa Pig curtains at its back patio doors and a pile of childrens’ plastic toys, including a play kitchen and pink slide, outside the front and back doors.

Mr Eden said: “I saw a couple there who seemed to have a little girl and twins. I never saw them really, only when they came and went.

“We only moved in a couple of months ago and thought this place was really quiet. It’s an utter shock, I don’t know what the hell’s gone on.”

Another neighbour Sophie King (20) who lives next door to where the baby boy was found told how when she left her flat at 10am on Saturday she saw an ambulance car and four police vehicles parked outside the apartment block.

Ms King, who works as a care assistant, said: “They seem a nice couple. They keep themselves to themselves. The little girl often plays outside on a slide and things. I know the lady who lives there had twins about a month ago.

“I didn’t hear anything on Saturday morning, no crying, or arguing or anything. When I came back home I heard an air ambulance had been called here.

“I’ve seen the mother at the flat since, she was here this morning. I just hope the baby is okay.”

On Wednesday a Hampshire Police spokesman said: “We were called at 9.38am on Saturday 2 February by the ambulance service, who reported that they were dealing with a one month old baby boy who was seriously unwell at a property in Knightwood Road, Hythe.

“The air ambulance was called but the baby was taken to Southampton General Hospital by road where he was subsequently pronounced dead today (6th February).

“A 41-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They have been released from custody but remain under investigation.

“Inquiries are ongoing. We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances and to report any information to police on 101.”