Cause of baby's death still unknown, inquest hears

Colchester Borough Homes runs the temporary accommodation at Seatrade House

Police have “ceased” their investigation into how a five-month-old baby died in temporary housing, a coroner said.

Hailey Thompson was taken to hospital after being found unresponsive at Seatrade House in North Station Road, Colchester, on 2 April.

She was pronounced dead an hour later "following unsuccessful attempts to resuscitate her", Essex Coroner's Court heard.

During a brief inquest opening, area coroner Michelle Brown said the provisional cause of Hailey's death was "unascertained".

'Deeply saddened'

A 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child in connection with the death.

Ms Brown said the investigation had since been discontinued and a full inquest would be heard at a later date.

The ambulance service was called to Seatrade House at 06:15 BST to reports of an "infant with a medical emergency", it said in April.

A spokesman for Colchester Borough Homes, which operated the property, said staff were "deeply saddened" by Hailey's death.

"Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected at this difficult time," he added.