Manchester's Social Services 'fail' dead baby boy

2 February 2011, 09:15 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Health and social workers in Manchester have been criticised for failing to protect a baby who was found in his pushchair in front of a lit fire with faeces on his body.

Alex Sutherland was 13-months-old when he was found by police in Wythenshawe in 2009. He died in hospital.

His mother, Tracy Sutherland, who drank heavily, admitted neglect and was jailed last year.

A Review by Manchester Safeguarding Children's Board has found Alex was the victim of failures by several agencies who were meant to protect him and his death could have been prevented.

The Chief Executive of NHS Manchester, Laura Roberts, says "The death of this little boy was a tragedy and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

"We are very sorry that NHS Manchester, as one of the agencies involved in his care, did not fully recognise the extent of his neglect.

"The Serious Case Review clearly identifies a number of areas requiring improvement within our own organisation, and in the way we work with other agencies."

Manchester City Council offered its condolences to his family, saying it had since worked with staff to ensure they fully understand the lessons that can be learned.