Forensic tests into baby Eliza-Mae's death 'may take time'

Eliza-Mae's family said she brought joy to the family

Forensic investigations into the death of a six-day-old baby girl at a Carmarthenshire home where a dog was later seized could take some time, police say.

Eliza-Mae Mullane, from Pontyberem, died on Tuesday and police seized the family's Alaskan Malamute dog.

Forensic examinations of the family home and the pet, which is still in police possession, have been completed.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place in the next few days.

A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "This is a sensitive inquiry which seeks to establish the full set of circumstances that lead to the death of baby Eliza Mae.

"The detailed nature of the ancillary forensic enquiries may take some time; and we will provide further updates as the enquiry progresses."

Police were called to the house in New Road, Pontyberem shortly before 08:30 GMT on Tuesday.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the family dog, which is not a banned breed, was a key part of the police inquiry.

The cause of the Eliza-Mae's death is not yet known and the force has not given any details of her injuries.

'Horrible shadow'

Paying tribute, her parents Sharon John and Patrick Mullane described her as a "dearly loved daughter" and said they would cherish the short time they had with her.

Their tribute continued: "She brought joy into our family, and losing her like this has cast the most horrible shadow over all of us.

"There are no words we can use to describe what we feel at the moment, and we don't think there ever will be."

They family also thanked the community for their support in a statement issued via police.