A MOTHER who carried the body of her toddler son into a police station had been taken to hospital the day before over concerns for her welfare, it emerged last night.

Melanie Ruddell, who has been arrested on suspicion of murder, walked into Peterlee police station, in County Durham, on Monday morning with two-year-old Christy on her shoulder.

Police yesterday revealed that the boy had been strangled hours earlier, and had suffered a single stab wound.

Officers believe he died at the home of Mrs Ruddell’s war hero brother, Corporal Neil Close, in Station Road, West Rainton, near Durham, where she had been staying.

Last night, members of the Ruddell family issued a statement speaking of their devastation and asking for their privacy to be respected.

In a day of dramatic developments, it was revealed that Mrs Ruddell, 39, who has been described as a doting mother, called police with a serious allegation on Saturday, which was investigated.

For legal reasons, the nature of the allegation cannot be reported, but her claim was deemed to be a fantasy.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been called in to investigate whether Durham Police’s handling of the case should be subject to an inquiry.

Mrs Ruddell, who lived in Dene View, Castle Eden, but had been staying with her brother, was taken by ambulance to the University Hospital of Hartlepool on Sunday after relatives expressed concerns about her behaviour.

She was assessed, but later discharged herself.

A spokesman for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust confirmed Mrs Ruddell attended the hospital on Sunday.

She said: “I cannot give out any more details due to clinical confidentiality.”

It is believed Mrs Ruddell returned to her brother’s home, where Christy is thought to have been strangled early on Monday.

Hours later, Mrs Ruddell carried Christy’s body into Peterlee police station.

She chatted to a police officer who believed the child was asleep over her shoulder – before revealing he was dead.

An ambulance arrived within minutes and took Christy to Sunderland Royal Hospital. He was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.

Mrs Ruddell had injuries to her wrists, which were thought to have been self-inflicted, and late on Monday she was taken to a secure hospital for medical treatment.

She remained in hospital last night, where detectives hope to speak to her.

Superintendent Rob Coulson said a post-mortem investigation carried out at Sunderland Royal Hospital confirmed the boy had died as a result of being strangled. He added that Christy had also suffered a single stab wound.

He said: “We think there is every indication he was killed at the boy’s uncle’s address in West Rainton.

“We believe the boy was already dead for some time before he and his mother arrived at the police station.”

Supt Coulson said Mrs Ruddell, whose marriage to husband Alan was ending in divorce, had arrived at the police station as an officer she knew was arriving to start a shift, between 7.30am and 8am on Monday.

He said: “The two engaged in conversation for a minute or two, before she told the officer the child in her arms was dead.

“The officer had not suspected anything untoward.

She thought the child was asleep.”

Christy was taken into the police station where efforts were made to resuscitate him.

Supt Coulson said: “It was very distressing for the staff here.

“But it is nothing compared to the distress the families are going through.”

Last night, members of the Ruddell family in Easington said: “The family have been shocked and devastated by this terrible event.

“We would like to thank everyone who has contacted us with kind messages of condolence, otherwise we have nothing to say to the media and ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

Supt Coulson said: “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 ring 0345-60-60- 365 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.