Two bailed in methadone death probe

Brandon Davis died at Birmingham Children's Hospital last Thursday and two other children, reported to be his brothers Lewis, aged three, and four-month-old Kyle, remain there.

Two men were arrested over the death by West Midlands Police and later freed on bail pending further inquiries. A post-mortem examination on Brandon's body proved inconclusive and more tests will be carried out, police said.

West Midlands Ambulance Service took the children to hospital from the family flat in Walkers Heath, Birmingham, at around 10am last Tuesday, when it is believed they swallowed the heroin substitute.

The three-year-old boy is in a stable condition, and the baby boy, taken to hospital as a precaution, also remained there. Both surviving boys are believed to have been placed in protective care by Birmingham City Council.

Residents living near the family's home on Bentmead Grove, a block of low-rise run-down flats, said the estate was known for its drug problems.

A police spokesman said a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of neglect and a 33-year-old detained on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug. Both were released on bail. Police refused to specify whether the arrested men were related to the children.

A force spokesman said: "Three children were taken to hospital after consuming what's believed to be a harmful substance, and the two-year-old later died on March 13."

In a statement, Birmingham City Council said it was "saddened" by the death and was co-operating with police enquiries. "Following the conclusion (of any legal proceedings) there will be a serious case review completed by the Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board," a council spokesman said.

Police are consulting with social services over care for the boys once they are discharged from hospital.