Couple charged with murder of two-year-old in Thornaby

A man and a woman have appeared in court charged with the murder of a two-year-old girl after emergency crews were called to an address in Thornaby, on Teesside.

Police were called to Hartington Close on Saturday afternoon following concerns about the child. The girl was taken to hospital, where she later died.

Harrison Simpson, 21, formerly of Greenham Close, Middlesbrough, and Alexandra Walker, 25, of Hartington Close, Thornaby, appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court. Neither defendant was asked to enter a plea during the hearing.

Both were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Friday. Court records show each faces a single charge of murder.

Officers from Cleveland Police and emergency services attended the scene on Saturday. Police have not released further details of the circumstances surrounding the child's death while inquiries continue.

The case will be heard at Teesside Crown Court, where prosecutors will decide whether to offer evidence to support the charge and the defence will be given the opportunity to respond. Under the UK criminal process, a defendant remanded to crown court will face a preliminary hearing and, if the prosecution proceeds, a trial date may be set.

Local authorities and child welfare agencies were not reported to have issued statements at the time of the hearing. Police requests for further information or witness appeals often follow in cases of this nature, and additional details are commonly disclosed when appropriate to the investigation and court reporting restrictions.