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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Nazia Parveen North of England correspondent

Man questioned in bed company investigation after death of baby boy

North Yorkshire police and South Yorkshire trading standards officials launched an investigation after a seven-month-old boy died on 3 November.
North Yorkshire police and South Yorkshire trading standards officials launched an investigation after a seven-month-old boy died on 3 November. Photograph: Dinendra Haria/REX/Shutterstock

Detectives have questioned a man as part of an investigation into a bed company after the death of a baby boy.

North Yorkshire police have said that a 35-year-old man, believed to be the company boss, Craig Williams, has been interviewed under caution and is assisting police with ongoing enquiries.

A joint investigation between the force and South Yorkshire trading standards officials was launched into Playtime Beds, of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, after a seven-month-old boy from York died on 3 November.

The company issued a safety warning following the death stating that its made-to-measure beds “could lead to risks to children such as asphyxiation or strangulation, falling, entrapment or crushing”.

The bespoke bunk beds, which include castle and princess-themed products, have been sold between £300 and £740 since 2011.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire police said: “We are investigating the sudden death of a seven-month-old at a property in Melrosegate, York.”

North Yorkshire police are appealing to customers of Playtime Beds who have safety concerns, or have experienced cases where a child has suffered an injury in relation to a purchased bed, to come forward.

Playtime Beds has been supplying beds since 2011 but has now stopped trading, it said in a statement.

The safety warning advised customers that “until such time that they are able to determine which bed and extras you purchased, you stop using the bed immediately either for sleep or play, and ensure that children in particular do not climb, sleep in it or play in or on it”.

People concerned about their purchases have been asked to call a dedicated line set up by North Yorkshire police on 01609 643642.

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