Geri Halliwell's daughter allegedly abused by carer

Police are investigating an allegation of abuse involving the three-month-old daughter of the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, it emerged last night.

A statement from Ms Halliwell's personal assistant Antony Read confirmed that the singer had made a complaint to the Child Protection Unit at a London police station on 18 August. The complaint regarded "an incident concerning her daughter Bluebell while in the care of a temporary member of staff", the statement said.

It continued: "Bluebell is now happy and well, and there are no further concerns for her welfare. The matter is now under investigation by the police and therefore we are unable to make any further comment."

Ms Halliwell, 33, gave birth to Bluebell in May. The News of the World reported that the singer had found the baby "bruised and bawling" when they were staying with friends at a cottage in the grounds of Liphook Golf Club, Hampshire. The former Spice Girl went for a stroll, leaving the child with the temporary member of staff. When she returned, she found Bluebell to be "obviously in distress".

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We are investigating an allegation of physical abuse of a three-month-old baby. The child abuse investigation unit is investigating, and inquiries continue. There have been no arrests." Police emphasised that the allegations of abuse "are of a physical and not sexual nature".

The child's father, the film-maker Sacha Gervasi, is based in Los Angeles and no longer lives with Ms Halliwell.