Geoff Seaden Close Colchester police probe continues

Police officers were called to an address in Geoff Seaden Close, Colchester, shortly after 10.20am on Sunday, August 14.

Paramedics in attendance found Ralphie-Jayce Payne, one, was not breathing and he was pronounced dead in the property a short while later.

A man and a woman, both unrelated to the child, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and child neglect following his death.

Emergency - Geoff Seaden Close in the Hythe, Colchester (Image: Google)

An inquest into the toddler’s death opened at Essex Coroner’s Court this morning.

Area Coroner Michelle Brown delivered Ralphie-Jayce’s provisional cause of death as unascertained.

She said: “I am formally opening the inquest into Ralphie-Jayce Payne who died on August 14, 2022, at an address in Colchester.

“This relates to the death of a one-year-old little boy.

“An ambulance was called for him on that date where he was discovered to be not breathing.

“A police investigation is ongoing and a forensic post mortem was carried out and a provisional cause of death has been given as unascertained.

Opening - an inquest was opened at Essex Coroner's Court (Image: Archant)

“The police have requested I suspend this little boy’s inquest and I do so today.”

• Why do newspapers cover inquests and how do they work?

Detectives continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the death as official inquiries continue.

The arrested duo remain on bail until July 4.

A police spokesman said the child died despite the “best efforts” of the emergency services in attendance.

"An investigation will now take place into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death,” he said.

Incident - paramedics were called to the home in Colchester (Image: Peter Bates)

"Specialist officers are supporting the child’s parents at this time."

Following the toddler’s death, a fundraiser was launched to pay for his funeral costs, with leftover money being used to purchase a cuddle cot for Colchester Hospital.

Dozens of Colchester readers reacted to the tragic news with an outpouring of support and sympathy.

One said: "My heart goes out to the parents in this difficult time, thinking of you all and sending love to the family."

Another said the tragedy is "absolutely heartbreaking", adding: "Thoughts and prayers are with his family at this devastating time."