Woman charged with murder of eight-month-old baby daughter

A woman has been charged with the murder of her eight-month-old baby daughter.

Francesca Howarth died in hospital after she was found unresponsive by the ambulance service at an address in Frederick Street, Blackpool, on November 7 2018.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had been suffocated.

The child's mother, Caitlin Jones, 21, has been charged with her murder.

In a statement, Lancashire Police said: "A man and woman, both aged 19 and from Blackpool, were initially arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation pending further inquiries.

"Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution (Service), Caitlin Jones, 21, of Willowbank Avenue, Blackpool, has today been charged with murder.

"She is due to appear at Blackpool Magistrates' Court this afternoon.

"The man has been released with no further action."