Baby 'Choked To Death' At Manchester Nursery

A nine-month-old girl has died after reportedly choking on food at a nursery.

The youngster was taken to hospital from Ramillies Hall School in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday lunchtime but died a short time later.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called to an address on Ramillies Avenue, Cheadle Hulme shortly after 12.20pm on Tuesday by the North West Ambulance Service following reports a child was choking.

"Officers attended and discovered a nine-month old baby had been taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

"Inquiries are continuing to establish the cause of death.  The baby has not been named.

Parents of children at the school spoke of their shock at what had happened.

One mother, Marjan Harrison, told the Manchester Evening News: "There was a letter handed out this morning and staff were talking to parents. They were really upset.

"The letter explained that the little girl felt poorly about lunchtime yesterday and an ambulance was called."

Another parent, who did not give their name, said: "I'm concerned and feel sympathy for the girl's parents. And the staff, who are fantastic."

The privately-run school caters for boys and girls aged six to 11 on a site in Cheadle Hulme.

It also has a foundation and nursery years facility where infants from six months to five-years-old are cared for by nursery staff.

The school's principal Anne Poole said: "It is with immense sadness that I can confirm that a child attending our nursery died yesterday.

"Clearly this is a devastating tragedy, and our deepest sympathies are with the child's family.

"As is right and proper, the police are now investigating this matter and we are cooperating fully with officers' inquiries. The health, safety and welfare of all children at Ramillies Hall School are taken very seriously, and we have robust policies in place.

"Our most recent inspection was in 2010 which found us to be compliant in all such areas. Due to the police investigation, we are unable to make any further comment and other questions should be directed to Greater Manchester Police."