AN Atherton man, aged 21, is due to appear in court on Wednesday charged with the murder of his five-week-old daughter.

Leah Aldridge was admitted to the accident and emergency department at the Royal Bolton Hospital with breathing difficulties last year.

She was taken to hospital by ambulance from her home in Coniston Avenue, Atherton, in the early hours of December 23.

Her father Andrew Ashurst and her unnamed 16-year-old mother accompanied her at the time.

After initial treatment, she was transferred to the intensive care unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury.

She remained in a critical condition but deteriorated and died two days later on Christmas Day.

An investigation was launched into the circumstances of her death and a post-mortem examination was carried out at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on Boxing Day.

Ashurst, of Atherton, was charged with her murder by detectives on Tuesday afternoon.

He is due to appear at Wigan magistrates court.