10/08/2010
Mother Arrested Over Toddler Death
A mother had been arrested on suspicion of murdering her two-year-old son in County Durham.
An investigation was launched yesterday after Melanie Ruddell, 39, carried her son Christy into Peterlee police station.
The pair arrived at the police station on Monday morning and an ambulance was called when it became apparent that the boy was not breathing. He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.
Mrs Ruddell, from Dene View in Castle Eden, was arrested on suspicion of murder. She was taken to a secure hospital hospital for treatment to injuries to her arms, which police believe to have been self-inflicted. Police are waiting to question her.
A post mortem has been carried out on the toddler, which revealed that he was strangled.
He said: "This is a tragic incident which obviously has left both families concerned extremely shocked and distressed. We believe the boy was already dead for some time before he and his mother arrived at the police station. At this stage, we are still in the process of establishing what happened on Monday morning and a major part of our investigation involves determining the exact location where the death took place.
"While we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder, we would like to hear from anyone who has information which might be useful."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Durham Police on: 0345 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.
(KMcA/GK)
An investigation was launched yesterday after Melanie Ruddell, 39, carried her son Christy into Peterlee police station.
The pair arrived at the police station on Monday morning and an ambulance was called when it became apparent that the boy was not breathing. He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.
Mrs Ruddell, from Dene View in Castle Eden, was arrested on suspicion of murder. She was taken to a secure hospital hospital for treatment to injuries to her arms, which police believe to have been self-inflicted. Police are waiting to question her.
A post mortem has been carried out on the toddler, which revealed that he was strangled.
He said: "This is a tragic incident which obviously has left both families concerned extremely shocked and distressed. We believe the boy was already dead for some time before he and his mother arrived at the police station. At this stage, we are still in the process of establishing what happened on Monday morning and a major part of our investigation involves determining the exact location where the death took place.
"While we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder, we would like to hear from anyone who has information which might be useful."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Durham Police on: 0345 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.
(KMcA/GK)
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