New remains found in baby death investigation

Detectives investigating the discovery of three babies’ bodies at a house in St Helens on Merseyside have found the remains of what they believe to be a fourth infant.

Merseyside police said they had recovered remains that they “believed to be human” at St Helens Cemetery yesterday. Officers said the remains were discovered during searches of the cemetery, and not by digging up an existing grave.

They refused to say what had prompted the search. Two women, aged 54 and 38, and a 26-year old man have been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.

Tests are under way to determine the age and sex of the three children found in the property on Harlow Close on Sunday, which is less than four miles from the cemetery.

Chief Superintendent Chris Armitt said: “We cannot speculate as to the cause or circumstances of the deaths; any inappropriate supposition is likely to have a severe impact on the investigation and the family.”

Police said the initial remains could relate to births from as far back as the mid-1980s.