Oldham mother charged with murder of seven-week-old baby found with head injuries

Katarzyna Gacek, 24, is accused of killing her infant son Thomas

Thomas was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where he died from his injuries. (GETTY IMAGES)

The mother of a seven-week-old baby boy has been charged with his murder after he was found with severe head injuries.

Katarzyna Gacek, 24, is accused of killing her infant son Thomas at her home in Hillside Avenue in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Darren Butterfield, 35, of Ross Avenue, Chadderton, and Dawid Mokrzanowski, 26, of Hillside Avenue, have also been charged with child neglect.

In a statement, Thomas' family said: "As a family, we are all truly devastated and deeply shocked by the tragedy we have all suffered and the loss of our little baby boy.

"We are a private family and, as such, we would ask the media allow us time to grieve in peace and come to terms with this tragic situation we have all found ourselves in.

"We are aware that there are numerous stories in circulation at present. However, we would ask that only official police statements given by Greater Manchester Police are taken as factually correct."

A post-mortem examination revealed that Thomas died as a result of serious head injuries "consistent with a non-accidental injury", police said.

Ms Gacek is also charged with child neglect in connection with her son's death.

Police were called to the Royal Oldham Hospital at 2.10am last Sunday following reports that a baby had been admitted with severe head injuries.

Thomas was later transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The three accused will appear at Oldham Magistrates Court on Monday.