SOUTH Lancashire Health Authority, the Coroner's Office and the police have launched an investigation into the death of a five-year-old Leyland girl following a routine tooth extraction.

Karla Rose Selley, from the Golden Hill area, suffered breathing difficulties as she recovered from a general anaesthetic on Monday, August 9.

She had been accompanied to the dentist by her mother Tracey and grandmother.

Karla was certified dead at Chorley General Hospital following unsuccessful attempts to revive her.

A post-mortem revealed the cause of death as asphyxiation.

Detective Superintendent Mike Arnold said: "At this stage we have not been able establish exactly why Karla died. We will be interviewing members of staff at the surgery as well as family members to establish exactly what caused this tragic death." A spokesperson for Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust said: "We can confirm that a five-year-old girl was brought to the A&E department by ambulance after collapsing in a dentist's surgery.

"Despite intensive resuscitation by our medical team, the little girl failed to respond and she was pronounced dead at 3.55pm. We understand that the matter is now in the hands of the coroner's office."

A spokesman for South Lancashire Health Authority added: "The incident took place in a general dental practice and while the Health Authority does not employ dentists working in general practice, it will be undertaking is own enquiry.

"In particular it will be reviewing the arrangements that were in place within the practice for the provision of general anaesthesia and that these were in line with the guidance issued by the General Dental Council. We extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this very sad event."

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