NEIGHBOURS have expressed their shock after a man living in their quiet Portchester cul-de-sac was charged with murdering his three-month-old baby daughter.

As reported in later editions of the Daily Echo yesterday, Scott Cunningham, 27, of Anson Grove, appeared in court charged with murdering baby Shannon.

Cunningham, a part-time milkman, was remanded in custody by Fareham magistrates until his next appearance at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, October 28.

Members of Shannon's family were being comforted by friends and relatives in the area. No one from the family was in court for the 40-minute hearing.

People living in the tree-lined road overlooking Portsdown Hill, where Cunningham lived with his girlfriend, Shelly Wright, said they were "dumbfounded" at the baby girl's death.

Retired designer Alan Mitchell, who lives opposite Cunningham's home, said: "It's such a shock. We are all dumbfounded. Everyone is pretty close here."

Police said Shannon, who was born prematurely, was pronounced dead at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, on Thursday, October 17.

The investigation is being co-ordinated by the major crime unit and the Child Protection Unit. Officers from Hampshire police headquarters have set up an incident room at Fareham police station, where they expect to remain for some time.