Tributes and a teddy bear have been left at the scene where a child was found dead in Oldham.
The child was tragically found in a house on Elm Road, on the Limeside estate, at around 6.20pm on New Year's Eve.
A woman, aged in her 30s, has been detained under the Mental Health Act, police said.
Officers confirmed that the case will be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, due to 'previous contact'.
No further details about the child - including their age and gender - have been released yet.
This morning, several heartfelt floral tributes had been placed at the scene outside a house.
One bunch of flowers had a note on that read: 'It's a cruel world - RIP Little One'.
A small teddy was also left on the road.
Police tape remained in place outside a house, with one police car stationed outside.
One officer stood guard as a detective in a forensic suit went inside.
Last night, forensic officers were at the scene as an investigation was launched.
In a statement issued yesterday, a GMP spokesperson said: "An investigation is underway following the death of a child in Oldham.
"At around 6.20pm on Friday 31 December 2021, we were called by the ambulance service responding to an incident at a property on Elm Road in the Limeside area.
"A child was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the death.
"A woman in her 30s has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Detective Superintendent Chris Packer added: "Our thoughts are with the child's loved ones at this heart-breaking time. Specialist officers will offer them support.
"Our investigation is in the early stages and we'd ask anyone with information to contact us or Crimestoppers immediately.
"Due to previous police contact, this incident has been referred to our Professional Standards Branch and will be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
"This sad news is bound to cause distress in the community but I would like to offer reassurance that we are doing everything we can to establish the circumstances."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3656 quoting 2284 31/12/21.
Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111
