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Our little princess

Kathryn Ryan
24/ 7/2008

THE parents of a toddler murdered last week have paid tribute to their ‘little princess’.

Demi-Leigh Mahon died on Thursday, July 17, after being found with head injuries two days earlier.

The two-year-old was found at a flat in Liverpool Road, Eccles, on Tuesday, July 15, and taken to Salford Royal before being transferred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

She was put on a life support machine but never regained consciousness.

This week her parents Sindy and Gary said: "Demi-Leigh was a much loved little girl.

"She was our little princess and our baby girl.

"Demi was an adored daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and cousin who can never be replaced, and the light has gone out of our lives.

"Demi was a happy child who was always smiling and was so loveable.

"Her favourites were the Tweenies and she loved to play outdoors.

"Demi, we love you all the world to pieces and back again. Sleep tight baby girl."

A murder inquiry has now been launched into her death and police are still trying to establish how Demi was injured.

Officers are trying to trace Demi’s movements on the day she was injured and believe she spent time at the park in Nelson Street, Eccles.

They are now appealing for anyone who may have seen her there between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Tuesday to contact police.

Chief Inspector Geoff Wessell said: "I’m led to believe she was in the park early in the afternoon.

"I’m looking for people who might have seen her throughout the day.

"I don’t think anything happened in the park."

Neighbours have spoken of the moment Demi was taken to hospital.

Michelle Holt, 43, who owns Blaze hairdressers opposite, said: "Two paramedics went into the flat and came out with a baby girl.

"She looked lifeless. She had an oxygen mask over her face.

"It looked like they were doing heart massage on her. She looked like a rag doll.

"Her mother was on the floor crying and screaming."

Social workers had been in contact with Demi-Leigh’s family earlier this month and a Serious Case Review, in which the involvement of Salford social services officers with Demi will be scrutinised, will now be carried out.

The findings will then be submitted to the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board which will make recommendations to the agencies involved.

Two people arrested on suspicion of assault have now been bailed pending further inquiries. Anyone with information can call police on: 0161 856 5351 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.