A year-long police investigation into the tragic death of a 12-day-old baby at Millbrook Towers in Southampton has now officially ended, Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the tower block on Windermere Avenue on the morning of Saturday, 6 January 2024, following reports of a medical emergency. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and the attendance of the air ambulance, the baby boy—born on Christmas Eve 2023—was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident sparked an outpouring of grief in the local community, with flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes left outside the flat. One note read: "Fly High Baby Boy."
Following the infant’s death, police arrested a 33-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, both from Southampton, on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child and neglect.
While the man was released without charge in May 2024, Hampshire Police have now confirmed that no further action will be taken against the woman, bringing the investigation to a formal close.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said:
"This follows more than a year of extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.
A file will be prepared for the coroner."
A coroner’s inquest is expected to determine the official cause of death and whether any recommendations for child safeguarding or health services are necessary.
The baby’s death left the Millbrook community stunned. Neighbours described feeling "speechless" and "devastated" by the news, with many pausing to pay respects at the makeshift memorial that appeared outside the tower in the days following the tragedy.
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