An inquest was held into the death of the baby boy who died within hours of his birth at his mother’s home in Builth Wells, Powys

A baby tragically passed away within hours of being born after his mother had taken cocaine while pregnant. An inquest determined that exposure to the Class A substance was a secondary medical cause of death, though the coroner also stated it was “unclear to what extent” this factor contributed to the infant’s premature delivery and subsequent death.

Pontypridd coroner’s court was told the baby was born at his mother’s residence in Builth Wells, Powys, at approximately 24 weeks’ gestation – roughly 16 weeks ahead of schedule.

Coroner Rachel Knight stated: “His arrival was unexpected and, following his delivery, emergency services were called and attended swiftly.

“Despite their best efforts, sadly [the baby’s] condition did not improve and he died later the same day at Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil.”, reports Wales Online.

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Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil(Image: Rowan Griffiths)

Delivering her verdict, Ms Knight explained: “[The baby’s] mother had tested positive for cocaine use during her pregnancy, and there had been minimal engagement antenatally (before birth).

“Post-mortem testing showed that [the baby’s] mother had been suffering with an amniotic fluid infection.

“It is unclear to what extent these factors each contributed to his premature birth and death.”

The medical cause of death was recorded as prematurity with secondary causes of amniotic fluid infection and antenatal cocaine exposure.

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Two children, 2 and 3, named after being found dead inside house

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Police at the scene on Corporation Street in Stafford, Staffordshire, after a woman was arrested on suspicion of murder after the deaths of two children. (Image: PA)

Two children at the centre of a murder investigation have been named by police as two-year-old Meraj Ul Zahra and three-year-old Abdul Momin Alfaateh. Police were called to a home on Corporation Street in Stafford, Staffordshire, at around 7.30am today, Sunday, October 12, by paramedics.

Two children were pronounced dead at the scene while a 43-year-old woman, from the area, was arrested on suspicion of murder. She remains in custody. The deceased’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Detective Inspector Kirsty Oldfield said: “We are working hard to understand more about what happened leading up to these two children tragically losing their lives.

“We ask that people do not speculate at this stage as it is distressing for family and friends and could hinder our inquiries.

“We understand that this incident may cause concern in the local community.

“We don’t believe there is wider threat to the public at this time.”