HOSPITAL staff were told a family member of tragic tot Levi Rose had seen him being assaulted weeks before his death, an inquest heard.

Susan Catlow, of Nuttall Street, Accrington, told the hearing yesterday that in early May, Levi was admitted to hospital for treatment and some marks were found on his body.

In a statement to the inquest at Burnley Magistrates Court she said hospital staff had been told a female relative has seen Levi being assaulted.

Five-month-old Levi, of Cronkshaw Street, Burnley, was found to be dead on arrival at Burnley General Hospital around 4pm on June 1.

Home Office pathologist Dr John Rutherford, who performed a post mortem examination, told the hearing that Levi's death had been caused by head injuries. "There were bruises to various parts of the body," he added, but did not go into details.

The inquest into his death was opened to formally identify the baby and record the cause of his death. The 10-minute hearing was adjourned sine die while criminal proceedings go ahead. His relatives are arranging for Levi's burial to take place.

Deputy East Lancashire coroner Mark Williams described Levi's death as "a most tragic event" and expressed his condolences to the baby's relatives. The hearing was told that Levi, who was a twin, had been born prematurely at Burnley General and had spent some time in hospital before being discharged.

Detective Inspector Ron Griffiths, of Burnley CID, said that about 4.50pm on June 1, police were called to the accident and emergency department at Burnley General Hospital.

A five-month-old child was taken to the hospital and found to be dead on arrival.

The injuries were believed to be non accidental and a major investigation was launched.

Levi's parents, Christopher Rose, 19, and Kelly Catlow, 18, of Cronkshaw Street, have appeared in court charged with his murder.

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