Neighbours in shock at baby attack probe

Two people have been arrested following the incident which saw the eight-week-old boy admitted to Royal Preston Hospital with what paramedics described as “life threatening” injuries.

Ambulance crews were called to an address on Auster Crescent, Freckleton, at 10.40am on Thursday. It is believed the child may have had a seizure.

He is now in a serious but stable condition.

A 20-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man, both from the Liverpool area, have since been arrested on suspicion of wounding and remain in custody.

A spokesman for North West Ambulance said: “We were called to an address for a life-threatening [incident] and took a patient to Royal Preston Hospital.”

Police were not initially called to the scene but on treating the child medics called in officers.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “An investigation is underway after an eight-week-old baby boy was admitted to hospital suffering from serious head injuries.

“Ambulance crews were called to an address on Auster Crescent, Freckleton May 29.

“Following a medical assessment police were contacted and the baby boy is currently in a serious but stable condition at Royal Preston Hospital.

“His injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this stage.

“A 20-year-old woman and an 19-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of wounding and are both in police custody.”

Residents in the close-knit Lower Lane estate told of their shock and devastation at the news.

Neighbour Joanne Currie, 44, said: “He was a cute little thing the baby, only a few weeks old.”

Susie Story, 37, added: “It’s sickening for something like this to happen on your doorstep.

“For a baby to be harmed, it’s horrifying.”

While only ambulances attended the address on Thursday neighbours said they awoke to a number of police vehicles, including CSI teams, working at the property on Friday morning.

Wendy McCormack, 40, added: “It’s devastating what’s happened.

“It’s got to be bad for CSI to be there and a baby in hospital.”