A SOUTHAMPTON teenager is due in court today after being charged with the murder of his six-week-old son, who died after allegedly suffering head injuries and a bite to his nose.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

He spoke only to give his name and address.

Wearing a grey tracksuit top, the defendant broke into tears as he addressed district judge Lorraine Morgan.

Dan O'Neill, prosecuting, told the court that the baby had suffered "a bite to the nose and injuries to the head".

The judge referred the case to Winchester Crown Court for a hearing today.

Sitting outside the docks, the defendant’s tearful mother sat beside her son as the hearing took place.

As he left the court, the defendant said: “I love you,” to which his mother replied: “I love you.”

His appearance in court follows an incident in Defender Road on Sunday morning.

Police and paramedics were called to a mother and baby unit in the road, in Woolston, following reports that the child was in need of medical attention.

The baby was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

An 18-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of murder.

She has been released from police custody but remains under investigation.

Meanwhile city care bosses are set to launch a major review into the death of the baby.

A Southampton City Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the police investigation into the tragic death of a six-week-old baby in Defender Road in Southampton.

“A multi-agency review has been launched and we will be assisting the police with their investigations wherever we can.

“We will not be making any further comment while the police investigation is under way.”