Mother accused of drowning girl

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A 22-year-old woman on Merseyside has been charged with the murder of her four-year-old daughter.

Chloe Fletcher was found dead at her home on Oakdale Avenue, Wallasey, by police on Wednesday after a call was made from a public call box nearby.

A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death as drowning.

Her mother Laura Fletcher was charged with murder on Thursday afternoon and is due to appear at Wirral Magistrates' Court later.

Wirral Council said Chloe and her family were known to a number of agencies, including its children's social care team.

Nursery shock

Chloe's body was removed from the house in the early hours of Wednesday after police were called to the property at about 0142 BST.

Forensic searches were later carried out at the house and at the telephone box at the junction of Brentwood Street and Poulton Road.

One neighbour described Chloe as "a lovely little girl" and local residents have laid a floral tribute outside the house.

She attended the local Oakdale Children's Nursery, where owner Karen Lane described her as a "happy, bright and cheerful" child.

"We are, all of us, deeply shocked at this terrible news and are still trying to come to terms with it.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Chloe and all the members of her family."