Police investigate Manchester hospital death of newborn baby | England

A newborn baby’s death at a Manchester maternity hospital is being investigated by police for gross negligence manslaughter.

Greater Manchester police (GMP) said its major incident unit was looking into the death of Polly Lindop who died within 24 hours of her birth on 13 March at St Mary’s hospital.

The investigation began after concerns about the death were raised to police and the coroner.

The force said on Monday that a number of hospital staff had been spoken to as witnesses and no arrests had been made.

Polly’s parents thanked police for their “continual efforts” to gain answers about their daughter’s death.

DCI Mark Davis, from the force’s major incident unit, said: “First, I want to express my condolences to the parents of Polly at what is an extremely difficult time for them. 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.”

He said the Manchester University NHS foundation trust had been fully cooperative and all relevant authorities had been kept informed. “The investigation into Polly’s death is ongoing and her family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”

In a statement paying tribute to their daughter, Polly’s parents said: “[W]e would like to thank everyone at GMP for their continual efforts every day in gaining us answers.

“Our beautiful brave baby girl Polly, we love you and miss you every day. Sleep tight, my darling.”