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Tragic Leeds tot’s hanging - inquest
A three-year-old girl from Leeds was discovered hanging from a curtain pole, an inquest heard.
Ambulance crews and police were called to the home of Evie Middleton on Willow Grove, in Kippax, last week.
Coroner’s officer Daniel Stoker told the opening into Evie’s inquest at Leeds Coroner’s Court that emergency crews were called to her family home on Friday, January 27.
The youngster was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital but doctors confirmed her death a short time later at 5.57pm.
Police officers then carried out investigations at the home and they were satisified that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the tot’s death.
A provisional post mortem report was handed to assistant deputy coroner Mary Burke.
The report by pathologist Dr Jens Stahlschmidt at St James’ Hospital said that the cause of death was “asphyxia due to strangulation”.
Ms Burke issued a cremation order and an interim death certificate during the short five minute hearing to allow the youngster’s family to make arrangements for her funeral.
The inquest was then adjourned until a later date while further enquiries are carried out.
Evie’s parents Emily James and Jonathan Middleton did not attend the hearing.
The couple are believed to also have a five-year-old daughter called Leila.
Neighbours were in shock after learning of the little girl’s death.
One woman, who did not want to be named, said she had dashed across to be with Emily when she saw the ambulance and police crews arrive and Evie’s body carried out of the house
Another neighbour added: “Nobody knows how this could have happened, whether she slipped or not, it’s such a tragic accident.
“The whole streets is absolutely horrified.
“We didn’t see an awful lot of Evie as she was often in the house due to her age but her big sister was always out playing with the other kids.
“They’re an absolutely lovely family.”
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
