THE DEATH of a baby boy at Southampton General has prompted a murder investigation.

The three-month-old child died in hospital in the early hours of Saturday after being taken ill at a flat in Boscombe, Bournemouth, on Friday.

Detective Inspector Richard Dixey, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I can confirm that the tragic death of this young boy is being treated as suspicious and a murder investigation, led by the Major Crime Investigation Team, has been launched as a result.

“A 33-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and he continues to assist police with their enquiries. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

The boy had initially been taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital after emergency services were called to the scene at 3.30pm on Friday.

But he was later transferred to Southampton General Hospital for specialist treatment.

A post-mortem is due to take place in the coming days.

DI Dixey added: “I would appeal for the family to be given privacy at this extremely difficult time.”

A neighbour said he saw around eight police vehicles and an ambulance outside the block of flats on Friday afternoon.

He said: “I saw the paramedics take the baby out and put him in the ambulance. The police were there all night. We saw the forensics going through all the bins at the back, and there was a police car outside all day Saturday.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 8:226. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.