Police have arrested two women on suspicion of manslaughter after an eight-month-old baby died at a nursery.
The baby girl suffered what police described as a ‘medical episode’ on Monday afternoon at Tiny Toes Day Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester.
She was taken to hospital where she died hours later the same day.
Two women, aged 35 and 34, have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and remain in custody for questioning.
Police said they were called by the North West Ambulance Service just before 3.20pm on Monday to a report of a child suffering a medical episode at the nursery.
Detective Superintendent Phil Duffy, from Greater Manchester Police, said: ‘Our thoughts are very much with baby girl’s family who are understandably shocked and devastated and we’re doing everything we can to get them the answers they deserve.
‘Since we were called, we’ve carried out a number of lines of inquiry already and now two arrests have been made as our investigation continues.
‘Officers are continuing to work to establish the full facts around what happened and ascertain the circumstances behind this tragedy.
‘This is a heart-breaking time for all those involved and we would ask that the public respect the family’s privacy at this time and avoid speculation whilst we continue to investigate.’
Franck Pelle, owner of Tiny Toes Children’s Day Nursery, told local media: ‘Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sorrow are with the parents and family at this devastating time. We are working closely with all involved to assist and due to the sensitivities and ongoing investigation we are unable to comment any further at this time.’
According to its website, Tiny Toes has four qualified teachers working at the nursery as well as early years practitioners and two chefs.
It was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2017.
Ofsted confirmed it had ‘suspended this setting to allow time for other agencies to complete their enquiries’ while the investigation takes place.
A spokesperson for Stockport council added: ‘The council is aware of the sad news of the death of an eight-month-old girl at a premises on Mellor Road in Cheadle [Hulme].
‘First and foremost, our thoughts go out to the family for their loss at this difficult time. We are not able to comment any further and await the outcome of the investigation.’