THE death of a three-year-old toddler in St Briavels, near Chepstow, is being treated as suspicious, police confirmed last night.

Hugh Belcher's body was found next to his mother, Maya, 36, at Uplands Cottage, Hewelsfield Lane, on Tuesday evening.

Police have not yet released the findings of a post-mortem examination carried out on Wednesday, and an inquest into his death was taking place today at the Gloucester coroner's office.

Mrs Belcher, a part-time receptionist, childminder and former schoolteacher, remains critically ill in the intensive care unit of Bristol's Frenchay Hospital.

Police say she had suffered serious cuts.

Officers were called to the house by Hugh's father, Philip Belcher. Mr Belcher, who manages a day care centre - a mental health unit in the nearby village of Coleford, is being comforted by family and friends.

Police say they are trying to trace one member of the family to inform them about the tragedy, which has shocked the village.

One local couple, who asked not to be named, described the news as a "terrible shock".