Police have given an update as they continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of a toddler in County Durham. 

Her heartbroken father has taken to social media to announce the devastating news his ‘beautiful brave little girl’ has died. 

Two-year-old Maya Louise Chappell was airlifted to the RVI in Newcastle in a critical condition after emergency services were called to Shotton Colliery on Wednesday afternoon.

Read more: Toddler dies in hospital after alleged assault

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "We can confirm a 2-year-old girl has sadly died following the incident on Wednesday. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

"A dedicated team of detectives from the Major Crime Team are continuing to investigate the circumstances of this tragic incident and are currently following a number of lines of enquiry."

The two-year-old was airlifted to the RVI in Newcastle in a critical condition after emergency services were called to Shotton Colliery on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said a man in his 20s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault with intent to cause serious harm.  

Earlier on Friday, Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Barker said: “We appreciate that friends, family and neighbours are deeply concerned by this incident, but we ask that the community refrains from speculation over the circumstances or naming of those involved online.

“A police vehicle was deliberately damaged whilst in attendance at the scene, and I’d like to remind the public that obstructing our officers as they carry out their enquiries is not helpful.

“Please allow us the space to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.”

 

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