POLICE are investigating after a five-month-old baby was found dead. The Argus understands that the baby - believed to be from Markham, near Blackwood - was discovered on Thursday, and an inquiry was launched immediately into the death.

A spokesman for Gwent Police said: "We can confirm the death of a five-month-old baby from the Blackwood area on November 13.

"The coroner's office has been informed and an investigation is under way." The spokesman declined to comment further, saying no other information was available.

A spokesman for Caerphilly county borough council social services confirmed police were investigating the death. "We were informed of the tragic death of a baby and the immediate concern is to support the child's mother and family in dealing with their bereavement," he said.

"Gwent Police are involved and the coroner has been informed. It would, therefore, be inappropriate to make any further comment at this state until investigations into the matter are complete."

In August of this year, a murder probe was launched into the death of a three-and-a-half-month-old baby girl from the Newport area.

A man was subsequently arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries into the death.

In all cases involving sudden deaths of children, a multi-agency area child protection (ACP) committee is informed in order to review the involvement of various agencies with the family before the death.

An ACP committee is comprised of representatives from the police, social services and the health authority.