A DAD and his girlfriend have been arrested on suspicion of murder after his ‘cheeky’ six-year-old son died of head injuries. Tom Hughes, 27, and Emma Tustin, 31, are being held after Arthur Hughes, six, died from serious head injuries sustained at their home in Solihull, West Mids. Cops were called to a house in […]
A DAD and his girlfriend have been arrested on suspicion of murder after his ‘cheeky’ six-year-old son died of head injuries.
Tom Hughes, 27, and Emma Tustin, 31, are being held after Arthur Hughes, six, died from serious head injuries sustained at their home in Solihull, West Mids.
Cops were called to a house in the Shirley area of Solihull, on the outskirts of Birmingham, at around 3pm on Tuesday.
Arthur was rushed to hospital but died in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The coroners office today confirmed it had received a file on the schoolboy’s death from police.
A crime scene remained in place outside the semi-detached home last night, while floral tributes and a blue toy car were laid in the front garden in memory of the boy.
Neighbours described Arthur – affectionately known as ‘Cheeky’ – as a keen Birmingham City fan who would proudly parade around in his Blues top, always smiling and laughing.
It is understood Arthur was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but doctors could do nothing to save him.
Tustin, who along with Hughes has been named locally, is believed to also go by the name of Emma Dutton.
One neighbour told the Sun Online: “The couple who have been arrested are called Emma and Tom. The lad who died is called Arthur – he’s Tom’s son.
“They got their next door neighbour round to give CPR. There are conflicting reports flying around about what happened. Someone said he fell off his trampoline.
“But the police have taken loads of bags of evidence and are still guarding the scene.
“He was a smiley kid, he had bright blonde hair – he was full of life.
“It’s so sad. No-one really knows what has gone on.”
Another resident said: “The police have been here for a few days and rumours were going around that the little kid had died.
“We were all so worried about him. It’s so sad. He was a beautiful boy – always laughing and smiling.
“It’s so, so sad. There’s always something going on around here.”
They added: “I can’t remember the lad’s name – I just used to call him ‘cheeky’ as he was always smiling.
“He used to stop to talk to me and my dogs when he walked past.”
A spokesman from West Midlands Police said: “A man and woman have been arrested after a six-year-old child from Solihull was taken to hospital with serious head injuries on Tuesday.
“Sadly the boy died in the early hours of the following morning.
“Police were called to Cranmore Road around 3pm and an investigation has now been launched to determine how the child came about his injuries.
“A post mortem examination will take place in due course.
“A cordon remains in place at the property and the man, aged 27, and the 31-year-old woman presently remain in custody.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
