Two women have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after the death of an eight-month-old baby in Stockport. Police were called to Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery on Mellor Road in Cheadle Hulme just before 3.20pm on Monday (May 9) by the North West Ambulance Service to a report of a child suffering a medical episode.
An eight-month-old girl was taken to hospital, where she sadly died the same day. Two women - aged 35 and 34 - have since been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. They remain in custody, waiting to be quizzed by detectives.
Greater Manchester Police said they were continuing to establish the 'full facts' around what happened and that an investigation is ongoing. The force have asked members of the public to avoid speculation.
A statement read: "Just before 3.20pm on Monday (9 May 2022), officers were called by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service to a report of a child suffering a medical episode at a nursery on Mellor Road in Cheadle [Hulme].
"An eight-month-old girl was taken to hospital where she sadly died the same day.
"Two women, aged 35 and 34, have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. They remain in custody at this time for questioning."
Detective Superintendent Phil Duffy, from GMP’s Stockport CID, said: "Our thoughts are very much with the 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 enquiry 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 heartbreaking 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, previously told the Manchester Evening News : "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."
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."
