THE family of a baby girl who died after being put down for a nap have spoken of their 'nightmare'.

New mum Natalie Foster put daughter Ana-Lucia down for a sleep on Sunday and later found her unresponsive.

The tragedy in Norton Road, Stockton-on-Tees, on Sunday sparked a large response from emergency services with police and ambulance services attending the scene in numbers.

An air ambulance landed across the road, but despite the best efforts of emergency crews there was nothing that could be done to save the little girl.

Cleveland Police say Ana-Lucia's death is as yet unexplained, but family and friends have rallied around Natalie.

Her sister Christine Foster has launched a gofundme page to help give her little niece a fitting a funeral.

Christine said today on (Tuesday, May 12): "This is the worst nightmare anyone should have to go through and I can't believe it's happened to my sister.

"The biggest fear for a mother to have is to see their child unresponsive after being put down for a nap.

"Our beautiful Ana-Lucia has gained her wings and her mother is beside herself. I hope people read this story and understand how painful this is."

On gofundme Christine wrote: "I never thought I would write this but my sister has lost her beautiful baby girl and I'm hoping people will help to give her the best send off she deserves, thank you."

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so here:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3qrv9-help-natalie?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&fbclid=IwAR1kd3Gre7_vMA9kACyvctmsKgRuKw0PH8J3TKmRx-QZvu1HqNtVEjNKQ_w

A neighbour said: "A little baby was seen being brought out in a blanket and everyone was just praying she would pull through. It is an absolute tragedy for the family and everyone's thoughts are with the mother."

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Police were called to a report of a sudden death of an infant on Sunday 10th May at a property on Norton Road in Stockton.

"The death is being treated as unexplained at this time. Enquiries are ongoing."