Police probe hospital death of baby Joshua Titcombe

An inquest heard more should have been done to save Joshua Titcombe's life

Police have confirmed they have begun an investigation into the death of a baby at a Cumbrian hospital.

Joshua Titcombe died nine days after his birth at Furness General Hospital in October 2008.

An inquest ruled the baby died of natural causes but that he could have been saved if staff at the maternity unit had acted sooner.

Police said inquiries would look at whether anyone should be charged with perverting the course of justice.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust admitted Joshua had been "let down" but has not commented on the police investigation.

Det Insp Doug Marshall, of Cumbria Police, said: "This is a really tragic case and our sympathies are with the Titcombe family.

"A police investigation into the circumstances of Joshua's death is under way.

"We recognise the coroner's narrative verdict and our investigation will continue, in line with his findings."

Coroner Ian Smith said staff had not listened to the baby's parents, had not recorded proper notes and had not spotted the signs the baby was becoming seriously ill.