The tragic baby whose death has sparked a murder probe of her parents has been pictured for the first time.
Pictured surrounded by two teddies, Keira-Mae died four months after suffering ‘catastrophic injuries’ at two days old.
Her mother and father have now been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police were called to Barnsley Hospital on May 16 after reports that the baby, Keira-Mae, had suffered catastrophic injuries.
Doctors at the hospital switched off the baby girl’s life support at 2.50pm on Monday, as she never recovered from her injuries.
South Yorkshire Police said Aimee and Alex Jones, who run a dog kennel business from their home in Barnsley, were released on police bail last night.
Pictured surrounded by two teddies, Keira-Mae died four months after suffering ‘catastrophic injuries’ at two days old
Aimee, 31, and Alex Jones, 38, from Atherley, Barnsley, who were arrested on suspicion of murdering their newborn daughter, have been released on police bail
Both parents were questioned by police over the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death.
A police spokesman said: ‘We continue to appeal for information which could assist our inquiries.’
The Jones were caring for about 16 dogs in kennels in their back garden, according to their neighbours.
One said: ‘My girlfriend spoke to Aimee a few times recently and Aimee was saying that doctors at the hospital wanted to turn off her daughter’s life support machine because she was not very well.
‘We never saw them bring the little girl home and don’t know how she got injured.’
Another added: ‘It is a horrible thing to happen and I feel so sorry for the little girl.’
Family friend Chantelle Robinson today recalled a conversation with Ms Jones, who said she had spent a final 20 minutes with Keira-May before she died.
And describing her horror upon learning of the murder probe, she said: ‘From my point of view it is just shocking. I was in touch almost every day, I was always taking outfits.
‘The life support was turned off on Monday. She messaged to say she had managed 20 minutes off life support and then passed away.’
Ms Robinson, who remained in contact with Ms Jones after making her wedding cake in 2018, set up a fund-raising social media account and had gathered £55 from well-wishers towards funeral costs.
She said she has now returned the money after it became clear police were investigating.
She said: ‘There are so many rumours and stories, you don’t know what you can believe. I had been in close contact and messaging the mum.’
Neighbours said the Jones (pictured), who run a dog kennel business from their home in South Yorkshire, were caring for about 16 dogs in kennels in their back garden
In July Ms Jones posted on her Facebook page: ‘Our baby girl Keira-Mae has been in intensive care since 16th May 2020.
‘We were recently told to start making memories with her, and our minds were blank as to what kind of things we could do.’
South Yorkshire Police previously stated that a 31-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man, both from Athersley, were arrested on suspicion of murder and were in police custody for questioning by detectives.
Earlier, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Etheridge, the senior investigating officer, said: ‘The injuries suffered by this little girl when she was just two days old were so catastrophic that she could not recover and her life support was withdrawn after four months.
‘Our thoughts are with those affected and our specialist officers are supporting them throughout this incredibly difficult time.
‘We have a dedicated team of officers assigned to this investigation. Two people are in custody and we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances leading up to this child’s death.’
He added: ‘I know that the local community will be shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her death and it’s important that people feel able to talk about their concerns but I urge everyone to be mindful of what they post on social media, and not to speculate on what may have occurred.
‘If you have information that may assist, it’s important that this is passed to the police to form part of the investigation.’
Anyone with concerns or information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 207 of 16 Sept 2020.
Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.