Mother held after toddler's body found at house

A woman was being questioned on suspicion of murder today after the body of a toddler was found at a house.

The two-and-a-half year old girl was discovered by police in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, yesterday after officers broke down the front door. The search followed a request by healthcare workers.

West Yorkshire Police said a 29-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and that detectives were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

One neighbour of the address in Naylor Court said she believed the tragedy developed from a dispute with social services.

Janine Barraclough, 36, said social services threatened to take the child away about a month ago and then returned today.

"They said they were going to take her kid away and they came round banging and kicking on the door.

"She must have flipped. She was a good mum. A brilliant mum. That kid was so well looked after. She would want for nothing."

Ms Barraclough described the girl as "beautiful with mousy brown hair and blue eyes".

She added: "She was a happy kid. You would see her playing in the park."

The neighbour also said that she saw the woman about a week ago and she "was fine", adding that she was separated from the girl's father.

She added that she had heard that the girl suffered "multiple injuries", but added she was not sure how she had died.

Naylor Court is a cul-de-sac of relatively new-build, modern houses. Last night the house where the tragedy occurred remained sealed off with a policeman standing outside.