Baby's mysterious death

The tragic and mysterious death of a baby boy in Kirkholt has sparked a police and social services investigation.

One-year-old Leo Faulkner-Parkhill was found lifeless in his cot at his Kirkholt home on Sunday morning (15 February).

The infant was admitted to Rochdale Infirmary but later died of “inconclusive” causes.

The mother, 21-year-old Kelly Faulkner, found Leo in his cot the morning after she was understood to be holding a party with friends.

Greater Manchester Police is working to determine the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said he defended Rochdale Borough Council in its bid to remain quiet while a criminal investigation takes place.

He said: "If a child is at risk then there must be a full investigation. We need to find out what happened and why.

“This is a particularly tragic case and I hope that the circumstances surrounding the death are fully looked into taken and relevant action taken.”

Councillor Irene Davidson, acting leader of Rochdale Borough Council – and also the council’s cabinet member for children, said: “I have been kept fully up-to-date with the tragic news of this young child’s death and express my deepest sympathy to his family at what must be a really difficult time for them.

“There is no ‘wall of silence’ from the council – we have nothing to hide but are restricted by law as to what we can and cannot say.

Terry Piggott, director of children’s services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: The death of any young child is an absolute tragedy and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family.

"A police and coroner’s investigation is ongoing and so until a cause of death has been established it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.”