Two charged as police search garden for human remains in child death investigation

Two people have been charged as police search a garden in Birmingham for human remains as part of an investigation into a child’s death in 2020.

West Midlands Police said a property in Clarence Road, Handsworth, is being searched.

The present occupiers of the property are aware of the search, but are not connected to the investigation, the force added.

It follows information detectives received relating to the death of a child at the house in 2020.

A 40-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were arrested on Friday on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child with wilful neglect.

The man was remanded in custody following a court appearance.

The woman will be appearing in court in due course.

Detective Inspector Joe Davenport said: “We have acted swiftly on information and our enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what has happened.

“I understand that this will come as a shock to the local community but I would ask you not to speculate on the circumstances.

“We would encourage anyone who has any information to get in touch.”