A COMMUNITY is in shock after the death of a baby boy in Burnley.

Four-month-old Kian McMillan died in hospital from head injuries early yesterday.

Kian’s mum Natalie McMillan, 24, and her partner, a 40-year-old man of Brighouse, West Yorkshire, were arrested on suspicion of child neglect and have been released on bail.

Forensics teams examined the house, in Scarlett Street, yesterday as neighbours left flowers on the doorstep.

One of the tributes said ‘RIP Little Fella’ and another called Kian a ‘little angel’.

Paramedics were called at 2.40am on Tuesday and they told police that the boy had head injuries.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Neighbours said the couple had not lived in the street very long but the death had affected everyone.

Lisa Robinson said: “It is so sad to see the flowers and teddy bears. I can’t believe something like this could happen.

“I didn’t know the people who lived there but it seems to be incredibly tragic.”

David Jackson, of Coal Clough Lane, said: “I am shocked that something like this has happened around here.

“It is quite a tight-knit community and everybody is really upset at what has happened.”

Neighbours said the mum, named locally as Natalie McMillan, went to Hargher Clough Junior School, but said that she had only just moved into the property with her partner, which they are said to be renting.

One neighbour said: “They haven’t lived here very long and they keep themselves to themselves. I saw them very occasionally but they seem very private.”

Another said: “I heard the ambulance come yesterday morning. It is so sad and it has really rocked the street.”

Coun Elizabeth Monk, who represents the Trinity ward, said: “It is very tragic news and my heart goes out to everybody affected.

“It is so shocking close to Christmas and it has really had an impact on the community.”

The ambulance service were called to the house at around 2.35am on Tuesday to reports of a baby with serious head injuries.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital.

A police spokesman said: “We received a call from the ambulance service at 2.40am on Tuesday to say a baby had suffered serious head injuries.

“A 24-year-old woman from Burnley and a 40-year-old man from Brighouse were arrested on suspicion of child neglect and have been released on police bail until January 30.”