A BABY who died when she was only 32 days old could have been shaken to death, an inquest heard yesterday.

Melissa Featherstone suffered brain damage and died in a Teesside hospital on August 22, 1994.

At the inquest, Peter Hildreth, a retired detective inspector from the Cleveland Force's child protection unit, said that Melissa's parents had been arrested following her death.

Neil Featherstone, 43, and his common law wife, Diana Henderson, 35, were in police custody for 30 hours.

Mr Hildreth told the inquest in Middlesbrough: "The parents made no reply to each question asked. They were released on police bail.

"We have, in essence, two parents who refused to answer any questions or give any explanation regarding the injuries to Melissa."

The inquest heard that health visitor Pauline Hunter, saw Melissa and her twin, Brett, in a pushchair when she made a routine call to their home in Kendal Road, Hartlepool on August 15, 1994.

Mr Featherstone told Ms Hunter that Melissa had been having fits and when she picked up the child her body was limp.

Melissa was rushed to Hartlepool General Hospital and transferred to South Cleveland hospital where doctors turned off her life support machine a week later.

Dr Nigel Cooper, Home Office pathologist, said that Melissa had either been violently shaken or her head had suffered a violent blow.

He said: "There is, in my opinion, no natural explanation for the post mortem findings.

"Melissa died as a result of brain damage due to a head injury which caused bleeding on the brain and inside the brain.

"It could have been a result of either violent shaking or striking the head against a firm but soft object such as piece of furniture."

Doctor Moira McCarty, a consultant radiologist at South Cleveland Hospital confirmed that Melissa's injuries were of the type produced by violent shaking and not an accident.

Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded an open verdict. He said: "It is clear from the evidence that either Melissa's parents were not prepared to say what had happened to Melissa, or that they were not sure.

"During the most likely period when it occurred, she was looked after by her mother and father."

A file on Melissa's death was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service but it was decided after three months that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

Melissa's parents were not at the inquest or at home to comment.