A WOMAN has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following a six-month investigation into the death of a child at a nursery.

Three-year-old Lydia Bishop died after becoming entangled in play equipment at York College’s nursery on September 17 last year.

It was the youngster’s first day at the nursery – which the college has since closed down permanently.

Police today, March 15, announced they had charged a 24-year-old woman with gross negligence manslaughter and she will be appearing before the city’s magistrates court on April 8.

York College is also being summonsed to court for health and safety breaches.

Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Costello said: “This has been a very distressing case for everyone involved, not least for Lydia’s family who have suffered an extremely tragic loss.

“Our thoughts are with them and specially trained officers continue to support them through this very difficult time.

“The matter is now in the hands of the criminal justice system and we await the outcome of any subsequent court proceedings.”