A DEVASTATED community has said prayers for the family of an 18-month-old baby boy who died at a childminder's home.

Police spent the weekend questioning 37-year-old Wendy Barlow in connection with the death of Joshua James Massey-Hodgkinson at her home in Eightacre Avenue, Sabden.

She has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Neighbours said a couple called Paul and Wendy Barlow live at the house with their three children.

Joshua's parents, Simon Hodgkinson and Emma Massey, who live in Clitheroe, left him at the woman's house and planned to collect him the following morning. But police and paramedics found Joshua's body after being called to the semi-detached house shortly before 3am on Saturday.

The Rev Rodney Nicholson, vicar of St Paul's Church, Clitheroe, led prayers for the family during services yesterday.

He said: "It is deeply tragic for such a young life to be lost. We hold all the family in our prayers and we will continue to do so and offer any help we can."

The Mayor of Ribble Valley, Coun Alan Yearing, said his thoughts were with them and urged the community to support them.

He said: "It is an absolute tragedy.

"Our thoughts go out to the parents and hope they are getting the support from their family and friends that they will need at this difficult time. The rest of the community will also do its best to support them in any way it can."

Clitheroe councillor Mary Robinson added: "I was absolutely horrified when I heard this tragic news.My heart and prayers go out to the family."

A neighbour in the quiet cul-de-sac, who did not want to be named, said: "We know the family, they are very nice. We have been round for drinks and consider them to be friends."

Detective Superintendent Ian Jones said: "Joshua's parents are very distressed and it is fair to say they are in a degree of shock. They are asking a lot of questions of the police in this case and it is my job to make sure these questions get answered fully."

The results of a post mortem examination carried out on Saturday were inconclusive. Det Supt Jones and a Home Office pathologist returned to the house where the boy was found yesterday to carry out further investigations.

After the woman's release on bail a police spokeswoman said further tests were now to be carried out and inquires were continuing.

Two family liaison officers have been appointed to the family who are said to be too upset to comment.

Mr Hodgkinson's father, landlord of the Brown Cow pub, in Chatburn said he did not wish to comment on his grandson's tragic death until the police had completed their investigation.