A Serious Case Review has been put in place involving Haringey LBC, the police and local health bodies, following the death of a 17-month-old child.

The boy was reportedly being monitored by the council's social services department, which was heavily criticised, but cleared of neglect, in 2000, following Victoria Climbie's death.

A council spokeswoman said: ‘The council is unable to comment on speculation in the press because of our legal responsibilities and the rights and interests of the child's family.

‘Also, a police investigation is still in progress.'