The two-year-old boy whose body was carried into a police station had been strangled. Christy Ruddell’s mother, Melanie, 39, was arrested on Monday morning, shortly after walking into a County Durham police station carrying her son. Neighbours of Mrs Ruddell, who is understood to have split from her husband, Alan, a few months ago after three years of marriage, spoke of a loving mother.
Police have not formally identified the toddler or his mother but they were named locally by friends in Castle Eden, near Peterlee, County Durham.
Police said the mother had injuries to her arms which are thought to have been self-inflicted and late last night she was taken to hospital for medical treatment. She remains in hospital and detectives hope to speak to her once they are given permission to do so by medical staff.
Detective Superintendent Adrian Green, who is leading the investigation, said a post-mortem examination carried out at Sunderland Royal Hospital on Monday confirmed the boy had died as a result of being strangled.
“This is a tragic incident which obviously has left both families concerned extremely shocked and distressed,” he said. “We believe the boy was already dead for some time before he and his mother arrived at the police station. At this stage we are still in the process of establishing what happened on Monday morning, and a major part of our investigation involves determining the exact location where the death took place.
“While we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder, we would like to hear from anyone who has information which might be useful.”
On Monday, a former neighbour, who lives in the centre of the village, said Mrs Ruddell and her husband moved to the other end of Castle Eden about two years ago. He said: “After she moved I really didn’t see much of her other than when I saw her walking Christy around. She was vivacious. She enjoyed life.”
The man, who did not want to be named, said he understood Mr and Mrs Ruddell split up some months ago.
Be the first to comment