Woman is held after death of girl, 3

A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a three-year-old girl was found in a Birmingham home.

The grim discovery was made after police were called to an address in Milverton Road, Erdington at 5.30pm on Saturday.

A woman in her 20s, who is believed to be the girl's mother was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder. Detectives have been granted extra time to question the woman about the death.

A post mortem has been unable to ascertain the cause of death and police are waiting for results of further toxicology and forensic tests.

It is believed police found a hazardous substance at the scene and specially trained hazardous chemical officers from West Midlands Fire Service attended to make the area safe.

Further toxicology and forensic tests are being carried out to see if the hazardous substance caused or contributed to the child's death.

A murder investigation was immediately launched with senior investigating officer Acting Detective Superintendent Tim Bacon from the Major Investigation Unit leading the investigation.

The girl is not being named at present and family liaison officers have been placed with her family.

West Midlands Police Chief Inspector Mark Payne, said: "The death of this little girl in suspicious circumstances has led to an immediate and comprehensive investigation.

"Detectives, forensic experts and local officers are working together to establish how the girl died and who is responsible.

"We are working together with the local community, who have been shocked and distressed by this death."