FORTY witnesses may be called to give evidence at an inquest into the death of a nine-month-old girl.

Paramedics, police officers, pathologists and relatives of Abbie Jade Hughes will be at the hearing in Hartlepool, Teesside.

Hartlepool coroner Malcolm Donnelly is holding the three-day hearing from next Monday - the first anniversary of Abbie Jade's death in hospital.

A police investigation was launched into the tragedy last July and Abbie Jade's father, Gary Richard Hughes, was questioned by detectives.

A file was prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) but officials concluded there was not enough evidence to pursue criminal charges of manslaughter or gross neglect.

A CPS spokesman said last night: "The Crown Prosecution Service Cleveland has reviewed the case file submitted to it by Cleveland Police about the events leading up to the tragic death of Abbie Jade Hughes, applying the code for crown prosecutors.

"The decision was that there was insufficient evidence to give a realistic prospect of a conviction against Gary Hughes."

Detective Inspector Bob Bussey, of Hartlepool police, said: "I can confirm that following the death of Abbie Hughes in hospital, on July 7, last year, when her life-support system was switched off, the police conducted an exhaustive inquiry and a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"After careful consideration, they determined there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against any person."

Mr Hughes will be asked to give evidence at the hearing, which is being held at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court.