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Police await results of further forensic tests after toddler found dead at home
POLICE investigating the death of a girl aged two at her Yorkshire home are awaiting the results of further tests on the toddler.
The body of Jasmine Bellfield, who was known to social services, was discovered at a house in Naylor Court, Dewsbury, on Friday.
Her 29-year-old mother Sonia Bellfield, who is believed to have mental health issues, remained in police custody yesterday, after being arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
West Yorkshire Police said that the results of a post-mortem examination carried out on Saturday were inconclusive and further detailed forensic examination would now take place to confirm the cause of death.
The investigation is still being treated as a murder inquiry.
Earlier, police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.
It is understood that police were asked to assist mental healthcare workers and social services on a visit to the house.
An ambulance was called after Jasmine's body was found inside.
According to several residents, police officers and several men in suits knocked on Ms Bellfield's door at around 2pm on Friday.
One neighbour, who sked not to be named, said they were at her door for 10 to 15 minutes asking her to open it.
Neighbours said officers broke down the front door of the small terrace house following a request by healthcare workers to gain access.
One neighbour said she believed the tragedy stemmed from a dispute with social services.
Janine Barraclough, 36, said social services threatened to take the child away about a month ago and then returned on Friday.
"They said they were going to take her kid away and they came round banging and kicking on the door," she said.
"She was a good mum, a brilliant mum. That kid was so well looked after. She would want for nothing."
She added: "She was a happy kid. You would see her playing in the park."
Ms Barraclough also said she saw the mother about a week ago and she "was fine", adding that she was separated from the girl's father.
She added: "Jasmine had lovely blue eyes and was well fed and clean. A lovely child. Sonia wrapped that child in cotton wool, when they played in the park out front she was always running behind her to make sure she didn't fall down.
"She thought the world of that child and was a 100 per cent good mum but she suffered from paranoia and depression."
Neighbours said Ms Bellfield had lived in the house in Naylor Court for three years.
They described her as a loving mother whose child was clean, well fed and dressed in the latest designer clothing.
She was said to have lived alone with her daughter and suffered from mental health problems.
Friends and neighbours left flowers at the scene.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
