Merseyside Police have announced that no further action will be taken following an extensive investigation into the death of a two-year-old boy who suffered a medical episode at a nursery in Bootle earlier this year. The case has now been referred to Sefton Council's Environmental Health department for review.
Jude Gerrard, from Bootle, was taken to hospital after the incident at Early Learners Day Nursery on Hawthorne Road on January 14. He was pronounced dead a short time later. The police investigation has now concluded, and the toddler's family has been informed of the outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Merseyside Police will take no further action in the case of two-year-old Jude Gerrard's death.
- Jude died in hospital on January 14 after a medical episode at a nursery in Bootle.
- An extensive investigation involving witness interviews and CCTV analysis found no evidence of criminal offenses.
- The case has been referred to Sefton Council's Environmental Health department for further review.
- Jude's family described him as "truly so incredibly special" in a tribute following his death.
Details of the Police Investigation
Merseyside Police confirmed the conclusion of their investigation, which was launched immediately after the tragic incident. The force stated that a thorough inquiry was conducted to understand the full circumstances surrounding Jude's death.
Detectives spoke with a number of witnesses and meticulously reviewed CCTV footage from the nursery. According to a force spokesperson, all potential criminal offenses were explored as part of the process. The evidence gathered was carefully considered before a final decision was made.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was also consulted to provide expert legal advice on the findings. This is a standard procedure in complex and sensitive cases to ensure an independent review of the evidence.
"Following careful consideration of the evidence gathered and after seeking advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, no further action will be taken," a statement from Merseyside Police read.
The force emphasized that this decision has been communicated directly to Jude's family, who have been supported throughout the investigation.
The Incident on January 14
Emergency services were called to the Early Learners Day Nursery on Hawthorne Road at approximately 12:35 GMT on January 14. Reports indicated that a young child had suffered a medical episode on the premises.
Jude Gerrard was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. The nursery has remained a focus of the investigation since the incident occurred.
Multi-Agency Response
The initial inquest into Jude's death, opened in January by senior coroner Julie Goulding, highlighted the multi-agency approach to the investigation. At the time, the cause of death had not been ascertained. The inquiry involved not only Merseyside Police but also health and safety experts and the Food Standards Agency, reflecting the various factors that needed to be examined in such a case.
The involvement of these different bodies is standard practice when a death occurs in a setting like a nursery, ensuring all aspects, from care practices to food safety, are thoroughly scrutinized.
Referral to Sefton Council
With the conclusion of the police's criminal investigation, the matter has now been formally passed to another authority for review. Merseyside Police confirmed the case has been referred to the Environmental Health department at Sefton Council.
Environmental Health departments within local councils are responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations in a variety of settings, including childcare facilities. Their role will be to assess the circumstances from a regulatory and compliance perspective rather than a criminal one.
Role of Environmental Health
Local authority Environmental Health teams typically investigate workplace accidents and incidents to determine if health and safety laws were breached. Their powers can include issuing improvement notices or, in serious cases, prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Their focus is on ensuring standards are met to prevent future incidents.
This referral means that while no criminal charges will be brought, the nursery's operating procedures and compliance with safety standards will still be subject to official scrutiny by the local authority.
A Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
In the days following Jude's death, his parents released a deeply moving tribute, sharing their memories of a beloved son. They described him as a child who brought immense joy to everyone he met.
"Everybody who ever met him couldn't help but instantly love him, and he had so much love for everyone too," his parents said. They fondly remembered his playful nature, saying he would pretend to "'web' you like Spider-Man or wrestle you like Hulk Hogan."
The family's statement conveyed their profound loss and the special place Jude held in their lives. They spoke of the deep impact his absence has left.
"Our lives will never be the same again - he really was too good to be true and we can't believe he has been taken away from us like this."
They concluded their tribute by expressing gratitude for the time they had with him. "We count ourselves so lucky we got to be his mummy and daddy for two and a half years, even though he should have had so much more time."
The family has requested privacy as they continue to navigate their grief following this devastating loss and the conclusion of the police investigation.