AN inquest into the death of a five-day-old boy will be opened today - as police continue to investigate the tragedy.

Alfred Martin, known by his family as Alfie, was born on February 28 at Harrogate District Hospital, in North Yorkshire.

He was later taken to the baby special care unit at Leeds General Infirmary but died on March 2, despite intensive efforts to save his life.

North Yorkshire Police said Harrogate District Hospital had "reviewed its procedures" in the wake of Alfie's death, and an inquiry was still on-going on behalf of the coroner.

In a statement, the Martin family said: "We are devastated by the tragic death of Alfie and request to be left alone to grieve in private."

The inquest will open and adjourn today at Harrogate Magistrates' Court.

Miles Scott, chief executive of Harrogate Health Care NHS Trust, said: "We would like to reiterate our deepest sympathy to the Martin family following the tragic death of their baby, Alfred.

"His death has been a devastating experience for the Martin family. We hope that the inquest, together with an interim investigation already undertaken by Harrogate Health Care NHS Trust, will establish all the circumstances and we will continue to co-operate fully with the coroner and all other agencies."