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The Express Gazette
Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Baby Girl Identified in Ongoing Staffordshire Camping Death Probe

Police continue to investigate the unexplained death of three-month-old Lacey May Oxford, with four individuals released on bail.

US Politics • 2 hours ago
Baby Girl Identified in Ongoing Staffordshire Camping Death Probe

Three-month-old Lacey May Oxford has been identified as the infant who died while on a family camping trip in Staffordshire, prompting an ongoing police investigation.

Lacey was discovered in cardiac arrest on September 5 at approximately 8:45 a.m. near Great Wyrley. Authorities were called to a campsite situated near a fishing pond where the baby was found inside a tent. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.

Following the tragedy, four individuals were arrested on suspicion of murder. These suspects include a 42-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman from South Staffordshire, a 20-year-old woman from Wolverhampton, and an 18-year-old man from Walsall, West Midlands. Staffordshire Police confirmed that all four have since been released on conditional police bail as inquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Josh Lee of the force's child protection team stated that officers are working diligently to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lacey's death, which is currently being treated as unexplained. He urged the public to refrain from speculation and to rely on official updates from the police.

Lacey's family issued a statement thanking the community for its concern. They described the event as a traumatic time for all involved and requested privacy while the investigation proceeds, noting that they themselves are awaiting details of the circumstances. The family stated that Lacey had been with relatives who were spending a night fishing at the pond.

Officers and an air ambulance were called following reports that a child had gone into cardiac arrest.

Staffordshire Police have stated that their inquiries are ongoing and that updates will be provided when possible. The investigation remains active, with officers keeping an open mind regarding the cause of the infant's death.


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