A mother accused of murdering her three-year-old daughter has been released by police after being detained in hospital when she had a ‘medical episode’.
Claire Colebourn was arrested on suspicion of murder after police raced to her home in Fordingbridge in Hampshire on Thursday night, following a report of a ‘concern for welfare’ for her daughter Bethan.
The three-year-old was taken to Salisbury District Hospital, Wiltshire, where she was later pronounced dead.
Hampshire police today revealed the investigation has been delayed due to the ‘medical episode’ Mrs Colebourn suffered, but have not revealed further details.
Claire Colebourn was arrested on suspicion of murder after police raced to her home in Fordingbridge in Hampshire
Three-year-old Bethan was taken to Salisbury District Hospital, Wiltshire, where she was later pronounced dead
Former science teacher Mrs Coleburn, 35, who had offered private tutoring from her home, was also treated at the scene on Thursday night.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said on Monday evening: ‘The 35-year-old woman arrested after the death of a child in Fordingbridge has been released under investigation.
Bethan’s father, Michael Colebourn is said to be ‘devastated’
‘We were called to an address in Whitsbury Road shortly before 7pm on 19 October following a report of a concern for welfare.
‘Officers attended along with colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service.
‘A three-year girl was taken to Salisbury District Hospital and was pronounced dead later in the evening.
‘The woman, who is from Fordingbridge, was arrested as part of our ongoing enquiries into the circumstances of the girl’s death.’
Police were called at around 7pm on Thursday evening with a report of a concern for welfare at the Colebourns’ address.
Officers rushed to the scene along with two paramedic crews and an air ambulance.
Bethan’s 37-year-old father, Michael Colebourn, a director at marine interior company Trimline, based in Southampton, was said to be ‘devastated’, according to his family.
Hampshire police have revealed the investigation has been delayed due to the ‘medical episode’ Mrs Colebourn suffered
A number of bouquets of flowers including red roses and pink and white lilies were placed outside the family home
A number of bouquets of flowers including red roses and pink and white lilies were placed outside the property at the weekend.
Bethan’s aunt Lindsay Colebourn, 35, who lives in Gillingham, Dorset, said: ‘It is obviously a devastating time for everyone. That’s really all I can say.
‘As her father, Michael is devastated and is on his way to the family home. It’s such a tragic event.’
It is not known whether Mr and Mrs Colebourn were still living together at the time of the incident.
One neighbour said he had been to the Colebourn’s at Christmas and described them as a lovely family.
The man, who did not want to be named, said: ‘I cannot believe what has happened. Claire and Michael were nice people, and they had a lovely little girl called Bethan.
‘We went there at Christmas for a few drinks, because they know our neighbour – I think they both own horses.’
A mother who went to the same baby group as Claire and Bethan said: ‘I went to a baby group with Claire, she is a lovely woman.
‘I started going just before her little girl left, so I didn’t know her that well.
‘But I ride my bike past their house a lot and if I ever see her she always says hello to me.’
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