Murder-Suicide Probe over Dad and Baby Death

15 September 2011, 10:36 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Detectives are looking into claims a Dad could have killed his six-month-old son before hanging himself in Preston.

Taxi driver Paul McBride, 39, was found dead at his mum's house following a search.

His son, Ollie, was found in a "very poorly'' condition and taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Lancashire Police has launched a murder investigation but is not looking for anybody else in connection with the incident.

Officers and family had been looking for the father, described by neighbours as "jolly'' and "jokey'', after concerns were raised about his welfare.

His sister found his body after arriving at their mother's home in Marl Hill Crescent, Ribbleton.

Their mum, Denise Betts, is thought to be on holiday in France.

The baby's mum, Michaela Swain who was not married to Mr McBride, was being supported by trained police officers. She's paid tribute to her son:

'No words I could ever write could express how much I love my beautiful baby boy Ollie. Goodnight sweetheart, sweet dreams. Mummy loves you. Moo moo. X'

A post-mortem examination will take place to establish how her little boy died.

Detective Superintendent Neil Esseen, who is leading the investigation, said: "It is being treated as a murder inquiry, although we are not looking for anybody else in connection with this incident,''