Luton woman in court over baby death

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a baby born in Barnet in 2004, have charged the 31 year old woman in connection with their investigation

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) launched the investigation at the request of officers from Barnet and the Child Abuse Investigation Team following a case review into the death of another child at an address in Barnet in 2015.

Detectives attended an address in Fryent Crescent, West Hendon on May 30

A 50-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder. Enquiries were carried out and a 31-year-old woman was arrested in Luton, also on suspicion of murder.

Both were taken to a south London police station and were bailed to a date in mid-July.

During a search at the address on 31 May, human remains, believed to be that of a child were found. A search of the property in Fryent Crescent continues.

On 1 June, detectives re-arrested the women on suspicion of preventing a lawful and decent burial as well as arresting a 52-year-old man for the same offence.

The 50-year-old woman and 52-year-old man were bailed pending further enquires to a date in mid-July.

On Saturday, 11 June, the 31-year-old Luton woman was charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial and perverting the course of justice. She will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court today.

A special post-mortem examination took place at Great Ormond Street Hospital on 2 June, and the cause of death could not be determined. Further tests will be undertaken and this could take a number of weeks.

Given the circumstances which led to the launch of this investigation officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) have been informed. A referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been made.

Detectives continue to investigate and are liaising with partner agencies.