A MOTHER'S two-year wait for answers about the death of her baby ended when an inquest concluded the girl died of head injuries.

Ella Livesey, whose family live in Sabden, lived for two hours after her birth at Burnley General Hospital in 2003.

The hearing at Burnley Magistrates Court was told Jeanne Livesey, a pharmacy technician, of Sabden Brook Court, had the child by Caesarean section after two failed attempts to deliver with forceps.

But Mrs Livesey said she could not remember discussing the need for forceps.

Dr David Campbell consultant paediatrician gynaecologist at St James' Hospital, Leeds, was asked by Lancashire Police to investigate the death.

He said the operation was difficult and he was satisfied correct procedures were followed.

Midwives Nicola Goode and Helen Smith, said Dr Hamer did not use excessive force when trying to deliver Ella, who weighed 9lb 8oz.

Mrs Livesey was in a birthing pool then became concerned at the lack of progress and requested a Caesarean section, the inquest was told. Home Office pathologist Dr John Rutherford said Ella had a fractured skull, slight brain swelling, and bruising.

He said cause of death was the head injuries but did not know if they were because of forceps or the Caesarean.

East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor said: "The overriding question is when did the head injury which was the cause of death take place?

"My conclusion is Ella Livesey died as a result of damage caused to her head during the course of her birth."