Poppi Worthington death: Court grants fresh inquest

A second inquest is to be held into the events surrounding the death of a 13-month-old baby from Cumbria.

Poppi Worthington, from Barrow, died in December 2012 in circumstances which have yet to be made public.

The first inquest in October last year lasted just seven minutes and ruled the girl's death was "unascertained".

Two High Court judges have agreed to a request from senior coroner David Robert that a fresh inquest should take place "in the interests of justice".

The first inquest was conducted by Ian Smith, who said he was "satisfied" that the findings of a private family court hearing, which have still to be published, were sufficient.

Officer suspended

But lawyers representing several media organisations, including the BBC, argued the first inquest was insufficient and unlawful.

A Cumbria Police investigation into Poppi's death led to the arrested of her 47-year-old father Paul and a 31-year-old woman. In March they were told they would not face criminal action.

The force's inquiry is being probed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and an officer remains suspended.

Cumbria's Local Safeguarding Children Board is also undertaking a serious case review.

At a separate court hearing in April, Mr Worthington was granted a review of the medical evidence relating to his daughter's death.

Lord Justice Burnett and Mr Justice Holroyde ruled the initial inquest was "irregular" and must be quashed and a new one held.

The judges said this would not be until at least November, when the medical evidence review is expected to be completed.