POLICE have been forced to counter rumours spread on a social networking site that a baby has been murdered.

An investigation is underway into the death of a nine-week-old girl in Darlington - but police insist it is being carried out on behalf of the coroner as initial tests to determine a cause of death were inconclusive.

A spokesman for Darlington Police stressed it was not a criminal investigation as the death is not being treated as suspicious.

However, rummours have been circulating on Facebook that the baby was murdered.

The baby died at the family home in Roker Close on the Red Hall estate in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Officers have already visited the estate to explain the situation to residents and leaflets have been distributed to counter the "irresponsible and distressing rumours".

"We are aware certain rumours were circulating on the estate at the weekend which were both false and distressing to the family," added the police spokesman.

"At this stage the death is being treated as 'unexplained.' A post mortem has been carried out but the initial findings were inconclusive.

"Further tests are therefore to be conducted to establish a cause of death and the results will be forwarded to the coroner.

"We would urge local residents to refrain from speculating in this fashion and allow us to carry out our enquiries."

Residents in the quiet cul-de-sac say they have tried to ignore the rumours and carry on as normal, despite a heavy police presence.

Neighbour, Sam Donnelly said: "I noticed something on Facebook about a baby girl from Red Hall being murdered.

"I asked where they had got their information and they just said 'from a friend.'

"I think it started to spread like that. There's been all kinds of lies flying round. It really is unfair on the family."

Miss Donnelly added: "This is a difficult enough time for them without all of this.

"I don't really know the family all that well but I do know not to listen to what is being said."

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said that people on the estate are not responsible for the rumours.

"All it takes is for someone to put something on the Internet then it spreads like wildfire, he said.

"I try not to pay attention to it. We have heard so many different things that it's clearly all lies.

"All I know is that the family must be going through a hard enough time at the moment and do not need this.

"They should be allowed to grieve in peace and I just hope that a stop is put to this as soon as possible."

Police officers have been on the estate to explain to residents about the situation as well as sending out leaflets.

The Northern Echo asked Facebook to comment but received no response.