Smoking baby picture investigated

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/essex/8468394.stm

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A photograph of a baby with a cigarette in its mouth posted on social networking site Facebook has been investigated by Essex police.

The picture, of a baby boy with an unlit cigarette in its mouth was reported to authorities on Saturday.

A police spokesman said officers traced the child's home to Westcliff, near Southend but found "no immediate concerns".

The matter was referred to social services, he added.

Southend Borough Council said officers had visited the family on Saturday and would be visiting the family again.

Head of specialist children's services, Sue Cook, said: "Police officers visited the family home on Saturday and, although no evidence of criminal wrongdoing emerged, words of advice were given to the parent.

"Essex Police then referred the matter back to the council and we will be visiting the family concerned today (Tuesday).

"The purpose of the visit is to carry out an assessment aimed at ensuring that any child within the household is being appropriately cared for."