Two charged with murder of eight-week-old baby

News imageGetty Images The side of a police car with the words POLICE in capital letters written on the side of it in blue. The traditional police markings are also on the car.Getty Images
Liam Neve and Lauren Murgatroyd have been remanded into custody after appearing at Lincoln Magistrates' Court

Two people have appeared in court charged with the murder of an eight-week-old baby.

The child was taken to hospital and later died after officers were called to a property in Bourne, Lincolnshire, in October 2023.

Liam Neve, 26, of Spinney Close, Grimoldby, Louth, and Lauren Murgatroyd, 26, of Novak Place, Morecambe, have both been charged with murder, and several other offences, Lincolnshire Police said.

The pair appeared before Lincoln Crown Court and were remanded into custody ahead of a further hearing on 16 September, with a provisional trial date listed for June 2027.

In addition to the murder charge, Neve is accused of four counts of assault, making a false statement concerning birth, causing or allowing the death of a child and two counts of causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

Murgatroyd is additionally charged with two counts of assault, making a false statement concerning birth, causing or allowing the death of a child and two counts of causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

Det Ch Insp Andy McWatt said: "We have continued to investigate this tragic death since 2023. This has been a complex and large-scale investigation, and we are now in a position to charge two individuals in connection with the incident."

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, and watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices