THE death of a baby at the hands of its mother has prompted an investigation by social services.

Child-care experts said seven-month-old Corey Raine was safe to stay with his severely depressed teenage mother Sarah Allison, despite him suffering a number of minor injuries. Just days after the decision by a social worker, Allison, of Windsor Crescent, Houghton-le-Spring, battered her baby to death.

Newcastle Crown Court this week heard that Allison was being closely monitored by care agencies at the time of the killing.

Corey was on the at-risk register because his mother had been suffering from post-natal depression after the birth in September 1999, and was unable to cope with Corey.

Her case is the second to hit Sunderland City Council's social services department, following that of nine-year-old Penshaw girl Laura Kane, who was murdered by family friend Colin Bainbridge.

At a previous court hearing Allison admitted infanticide - the killing of a child under aged under one by a mother whose mind is disturbed due to the birth. Judge Esmond Faulkes imposed an interim hospital order on her until she returns to court for sentence on June 29.

A Sunderland City Council spokesman said: "As is required in such circumstances, a review has been conducted on behalf of the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) into the involvement of agencies and professionals with the child and family.

"The review has been carried out by an independent expert and its main purpose is to find out whether there are any lessons to be learned from the tragedy about the ways in which the agencies work together to safeguard children.

"The ACPC will consider the findings at a meeting in late April, following which further information about the key findings will be made.