Southampton: Three People Bailed Over Blake Fowler Murder

3 April 2014, 10:11

Three people, arrested in connection with the suspected murder of seven-year-old Blake Fowler in 2011, have been released on bail until 27 May.

Two men, aged 24 and 25, were held on suspicion of murder, and causing or allowing the death of a child, and a 28-year-old woman for causing or allowing the death of a child. 

They were arrested at addresses in Southampton on Tuesday (1 April).

The arrests follow a review and reinvestigation of the circumstances leading to the death of the child, following an incident at an address in Cromarty Road, Southampton. An inquest held last November recorded an open determination. 

A decision to review the original inquiry into Blake’s death was made at the time of the inquest, the outcome of which led directly to a full reinvestigation by officers from the Major Investigation Team, named Operation Katla. 

Speaking about the reinvestigation, Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson said: 

"Following a thorough review, the investigation has been reopened. I accept that the initial investigation by the constabulary was unsatisfactory, and for that I apologise. We have a full team from the Hampshire Major Investigation Team dedicated to this." 

A post mortem examination held shortly after Blake’s death in 2011 found that he died as a result of a brain haemorrhage.