A HAMPSHIRE man has been charged with beating his three-month-old baby daughter to death.

Scott Cunningham, 27, of Anson Grove, Portchester, appeared before town magistrates in Fareham this morning following the death of Shannon Cunningham.

Charged with murder, he appeared in the dock wearing a blue shirt and jeans, and he was visibly shaking.

Cunningham spoke in a whisper to confirm his name and address during the hearing. Magistrates remanded him in custody.

Cunningham was told, however, to appear before Winchester Crown Court on Monday, October 28.

Police said Shannon, who had been born premature, was pronounced dead at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, on Thursday, October 17.

An investigation was launched by Hampshire Constabulary following Shannon's suspicious death.

A post-mortem revealed that Shannon had died from head injuries and multiple fractures.

It emerged today that Shannon had lived with her mother, Shelly Wright, and her father, Scott Cunningham.

The three of them have been staying with Cunningham's uncle, Colin Cunningham, at his home.

Also living in the house is Bob and Gloria Cunningham, who are the defendant's parents.

An inquest has yet to be opened, but is expected within the next 24 hours.

Neighbours today spoke of their shock at the girl's death.

One said: "I woke up in the early hours of Thursday morning and saw the lights flashing from an ambulance. I then saw a police car and police officers go into a house.

"I only saw the baby being carried in its carry cot on the driveway by its mother - it's tragic that the baby's dead."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, added: "They seemed like a very close-knit family."