A MURDER inquiry has been launched following the death of a two-month-old girl in Poole.

Police were alerted by ambulance crews who had been called to Sunnyside Road in Upper Parkstone just after 7.30am on Saturday February 3.

A 28-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, both from Poole, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have been released under investigation while police inquiries continue.

Dorset Police stressed the cause of the baby’s death has not been determined and that the death is being treated as unexplained. They said an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding her death.

A police spokesman said ambulance crews were initially called to the scene. They then alerted Dorset Police and told officers the baby was not breathing. The little girl was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Detective Inspector Richard Dixey, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, told the Daily Echo: “Every child who dies suddenly has the right to have their unexplained death fully investigated so the cause can be identified.

“The cause of death has not been determined at this stage and an initial post-mortem examination is being carried out today.

“We are currently carrying out a range of inquiries in order to establish the full circumstances surrounding the very tragic death of this baby girl.

“I would ask that her family is given privacy at this extremely difficult time.”

Officers have been liaising with the coroner and investigations have included an examination of the scene and house-to-house enquiries in the area.

DI Dixey added: “As the public would expect, we have a duty to investigate all potential lines of inquiry and must arrest people for any suspected offences to ensure a fair legal process that protects those people.”

The incident unfolded in Sunnyside Road, a residential area of Upper Parkstone.

Neighbours there said they knew that a child had died but were not aware of the circumstances.