Daughter murder inquiry continues

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A woman remains under police guard in hospital suspected of murdering her four-year-old daughter at their home in Newport, police have said.

The 34-year-old, named locally as Zoe David, was arrested after the body of Zoe-Ann was found by police who were called to the house on Friday.

Ms David was taken to hospital with serious but not life threatening injuries.

Neighbours have expressed shock at Zoe-Ann's death.

Zoe-Ann's body was found in her bedroom by police after they were called by an ambulance crew who were treating her mother at a house in Bideford Close in Maesglas, Newport on Friday lunchtime.

Ms David, who has an older son, was arrested and taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital.

Ms David is under police guard at the Royal Gwent Hospital

People in the community have spoken of their shock, and governors at a local primary school have been called to an emergency meeting later.

A forensic examination of the property is being carried out and a post mortem examination will be held on Monday.

Police, who are carrying out house-to-house inquiries, said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and are currently informing family members.

Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle attended the incident, which was reported about 1200 BST on Friday.

Neighbours have described Zoe-Ann as a "lovely little girl" who was often outside playing with her friends.

Local councillor Debbie Wilcox said the governors of Maesglas Primary, where the girl is understood to have been a pupil, have been asked to attend an emergency meeting at Newport Civic Centre.

'Shocked and saddened'

Mrs Wilcox, a councillor for the Gaer ward, spoke of Zoe-Ann's death and said: "It's dreadful - the kind of thing you read about and not what happens in your community.

"The whole community is in an absolute sense of shock. This will affect all of us."

Newport's Chief Education Officer Dr Brett Pugh issued a statement saying:"We are shocked and saddened and offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to everyone affected by this tragic news.

"We will ensure that staff, children at the school and parents are provided with every possible support."