SOCIAL Services bosses have launched an inquiry after a 16-month-old baby boy was found to be dead on arrival at hospital in April.

The review into the case of baby Jack Shackleton will be conducted by the Lancashire Area Child Protection Committee.

A public inquiry may be held at a later stage.

The 16-month-old boy was found to be dead on arrival at Burnley General Hospital after being taken there by paramedics from his home in Bar Street, Duke Bar, Burnley.

The baby's father, Glen Shackleton, 27, of Bar Street, Burnley, and formerly of Fielding Crescent, Blackburn, has been charged with his murder.

The baby's mother Georgina, 23, of Sherwood Road, Blackburn, and formerly of Bar Street, Burnley, has been charged with neglecting him and his brother Adam.

Local MP Peter Pike asked the Secretary of State of Health Frank Dobson for a public inquiry into the case.

Health Minister John Hutton has told Mr Pike he welcomes the decision of the Lancashire ACPC to hold a review into the involvement of all agencies.

They are appointing an independent person to chair the review. Mr Hutton told Mr Pike: "My officials will be asking for an action plan from the ACPC on implementation of the recommendations of this review.

"I can assure you that this Department's Social Services Inspectorate will monitor the outcome of the review and action plan and will ensure that any lessons which can be learnt will be taken into account by Lancashire Social Services Department.''

Mr Hutton added that if appropriate those lessons would be incorporated into national guidance.

He added: "I share your concern that the circumstances of this tragic case are fully investigated.

"I have asked my officials to keep me informed of the police investigation and the review by Lancashire ACPC and will carefully consider the need for a public inquiry in the light of these.

"I am sorry I cannot agree to your request for a public inquiry at this stage."

Mr Pike said: "I accept this at this stage but will be watching all developments closely."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.