POLICE have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a month-old baby who was found "seriously unwell" at his Hampshire home.

Officers went to a ground floor flat at Knightwood Road in Hythe last Saturday after being called by South Central Ambulance Service.

A 41-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Last night Hampshire Constabulary announced that the investigation had turned into a murder inquiry following the baby's death.

In a statement it said: "We were called at 9.38am on February 2 by the ambulance service, who reported they were dealing with a one-month-old baby boy who was seriously unwell.

"The baby was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead today.

"We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances and to report any information to police on 101."

A police spokesman said a post-mortem examination had yet to be carried out, adding that no new arrests had been made.

Cllr Beverley Thorne, who represents Hythe West and Langdown, said: "People are deeply shocked and saddened that such a tragic event has happened in their community."

According to neighbours the flat at the centre of the investigation is occupied by a woman, her daughter and a set of twins born last month.

A woman living nearby said: “Someone I spoke to Saturday said an air ambulance had been in the area. Later on I saw a first responder vehicle and four police cars.

“The police were here 24/7 over the weekend and didn’t leave until Monday evening."

A neighbour added: “The police were everywhere. They carried out door-to-door enquiries in the area regarding a baby who was seriously ill. It’s very sad.”

Another Knightwood Road resident said the infant was taken to hospital and put on a life support machine.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) sent a co-responder, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

But SCAS has declined to release any further details, referring all enquiries to Hampshire police.