Woman arrested for murder after child dies

A 41-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a child.

Officers were called to Cwm Du Close in the Gendros area of Swansea at about 20:30 BST on Thursday.

The woman is in custody in Bridgend, South Wales Police said, with the force's major crimes investigations team looking into the death.

The force said the child and the woman lived together and officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

Gendros is part of the Cockett ward in west Swansea.

Cwm Du Close is 0.3 miles - about a seven-minute walk - away from the local primary school.

“This is a distressing incident which will be a shock to the local community," said Chief Supt Chris Truscott, divisional commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

"Detectives are working to establish the circumstances of the child’s death and there will be an increased police presence in the area to offer reassurance to local residents.

"Speculation on social media is unhelpful and will cause distress to those affected by this incident at an already difficult time."

News of the alleged murder of a child has left the community reeling, said Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West.

“This is a heartbreaking news that has left everyone across Swansea shocked," he said.

"All our thoughts are with those affected and the community wrestling with the tragic loss of a child.

"The police are now doing their work and providing an enhanced presence on the streets to reassure local residents."

He reiterated the police's request to "avoid speculation on social media about this terrible incident".

From the scene

Meleri Williams, BBC News

Children’s toys are scattered around front gardens in Cwmdu Close on one of the last days of the school summer holidays.

But this morning it’s quiet in the residential area of Gendros in Swansea.

Behind a police cordon, a forensics tent can be seen outside a bungalow.

Police officers are busy asking neighbours for any information or CCTV.

Messages shared on social media described a large emergency service response on Thursday night.

People have been asked not to speculate about what happened as police continue to investigate.