RELATIVES of battered baby Levi Rose say the findings of an inquiry into his tragic death are long overdue.

Five-month-old Levi died violently at the hands of his parents in June, 1996. His aunts, Margaret Rose and Carole Brine, claim not enough was done to protect Levi after warnings that he was at risk. They believe his death could have been prevented.

Seventeen months on they are still waiting to hear the outcome of a review of the way his case was handled by agencies involved with the family.

Margaret, 24, of Warwick Close, Church, said: "They have had since last year. We have waited long enough.

"I was told it was going to come out or be discussed in August but we heard nothing.

"We still have the same questions and are waiting for answers."

Margaret said they were still considering a private prosecution over Levi's death. "We can't do anything until this case review is completed," she added.

Her younger brother Christopher Rose and his girlfriend Kelly Catlow were jailed for six years and three-and-a-half years respectively in May this year for killing their baby son and child cruelty.

Following Levi's death, a multi-agency case management review was undertaken at the request of the Lancashire Child Protection Committee.

The LCPC includes senior officers from social services, East Lancashire Health Authority, Burnley Health Care Trust, Communicare, Lancashire Police and Lancashire Probation Service.

After the trial the review of agency contacts with the family reconvened to complete its work and examine evidence not previously in the possession of LCPC.

Recommendations from the review had been expected to be available by the end of August this year.

The most recent statement available from social services said a report was being compiled for the child protection committee.

Former Accrington couple Rose and Catlow were living in Cronkshaw Street, Burnley, when Levi died. Each blamed the other for inflicting the fatal injuries.

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