Watchdog assessing police referral over baby death

West Midlands Police carried out a welfare check hours before the baby died

The police watchdog is assessing whether to investigate officers who visited a house hours before the death of a baby boy.

West Midlands Police carried out a welfare check at on Culford Drive in Bartley Green in Birmingham on Wednesday, before being called to reports of a medical emergency hours later. The boy later died in hospital.

A 37-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of child neglect has been bailed with strict conditions.

The force has asked the public not to speculate on the circumstances, and confirmed the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

In a statement to the BBC, a spokesperson for the watchdog said: "We can confirm that we have received a referral from West Midlands Police in relation to this incident.

"We are assessing the referral and will decide whether further action may be required from us."

A 37-year-old woman has been bailed over the death of the child

The IOPC oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales and investigates cases such as deaths following police contact.

Police forces must refer themselves to the body following certain serious incidents, regardless of whether someone has made a complaint.