An inquest has opened into the tragic death of a baby at Royal Bolton Hospital earlier this year.

Louella Rose Sheridan, who lived in Daffodil Road, Farnworth, was only two months old when she was taken to the Minerva Road hospital earlier this year after problems with her oxygen rates.

Bolton Coroners Court heard how while in hospital Louella tested positive for Covid-19 and despite the best efforts of medics to care for her, she was declared dead on April 24.

Coroner Peter Sigee said: “I’m very sorry that I have to learn about her in such sad circumstances.”

Police Coroners Officer Julie Ann Hyde told the court how baby Louella had been formally identified by her colleague PCO Stefan Wilson using a photograph.

She said that following a police investigation there were found to be no suspicious circumstances around the tragic death.

She explained that a post-mortem was carried out by Dr Melanie Newbold of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Mr Sigee ruled that a full inquest will be held to determine the facts around Louella’s death later this Autumn on October 18.

He closed by offering his condolences to Louella’s family and loved ones.