Detectives probing the death of a baby boy have released a couple arrested on suspicion of murdering the toddler.
The 36-year-old man and 20-year-old woman, from the Rayleigh area, were held and questioned by police following an incident on Saturday night.
Scene - police cordoned off the area outside the shops in London Road, Hadleigh Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
They are due to return to report to police again tomorrow.
Police were alerted after the 18-month-old boy was admitted to Southend Hospital at 8pm on Saturday suffering from serious injuries. Despite efforts by doctors the boy died shortly after being admitted.
It is understood paramedics were called to a parade of shops in London Road, Hadleigh, after an incident outside one of the shops.
Following the call, the baby was taken to hospital.
Hospital staff contacted police after the baby's death and the couple were then arrested.
Police cordoned off a section of the London Road near Woolworths - where the incident happened - yesterday as forensic officers scoured the area for clues.
Special family liaison officers were comforting members of the baby's family as they tried to come to terms with the tragedy. A spokesman for Essex Police would not reveal the identity of the couple, nor of the baby.
Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have seen a young woman and a man administering first aid to the baby at a parade of shops on the A13 London Road near the one-way system to contact them straightaway.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Rayleigh police on 01268 775533.
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