Police in Cambridgeshire have launched a murder investigation following the death of three-month-old baby boy Atijus Elertaite, whose fatal injuries were discovered after officers attended a residential property in the town of March. The case has prompted widespread concern and sorrow, as investigators work to establish the circumstances that led to the infant’s death. Authorities have confirmed that the preliminary cause of death was a head injury, while further medical examinations continue as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Atijus was found in a life-threatening condition on the morning of Saturday 3 January, after emergency services were called to a property in St John’s Chase, March, shortly after 11am. Despite urgent medical intervention and specialist hospital care, the baby died five days later, on 8 January. Since then, Cambridgeshire Police have escalated their investigation, re-arresting two individuals on suspicion of murder and appealing to the public for information that may assist their inquiries.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
Cambridgeshire Police officers were dispatched to the St John’s Chase address after concerns were raised about the welfare of a young child. On arrival, officers discovered three-month-old Atijus Elertaite in a critical condition. Paramedics were called immediately, and the infant was rushed to Peterborough City Hospital for emergency treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, a regional centre equipped to provide specialist paediatric and neurological care.
Medical staff worked to stabilise the baby, but despite their efforts, his condition did not improve. Atijus remained under close observation until his death on 8 January, five days after he was first admitted to hospital. Following his death, a post-mortem examination was carried out. Police confirmed that the preliminary findings indicated a head injury as the cause of death, though further medical investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances and timeline of the injuries sustained.
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The involvement of multiple medical facilities reflects the seriousness of the injuries and the urgency of the response. Both hospitals cooperated fully with police, providing medical evidence and records to support the investigation. Authorities have not released further details about the nature of the head injury, stating that doing so could compromise the inquiry.
Arrests, Charges, and the Ongoing Investigation
Prior to Atijus’ death, a 25-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man, both from the March area, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. These arrests were made as police began to assess the circumstances surrounding the baby’s injuries while he was still receiving medical care. After Atijus died, the investigation was reclassified as a homicide inquiry.
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On Thursday following the child’s death, both individuals were re-arrested on suspicion of murder. They were held in police custody while detectives conducted further questioning and reviewed evidence, including medical findings and information gathered from the scene. Police later confirmed that the pair have since been released on bail, with conditions, until 22 April. No charges have yet been brought, and investigators have emphasised that the inquiry remains active and complex.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann, who is leading the investigation, said officers are working intensively to establish exactly what happened to Atijus. She acknowledged the impact the case has had on the local community, describing it as deeply shocking and distressing. McCann also urged the public to refrain from speculation, particularly on social media, warning that unverified claims or commentary could interfere with the investigation and potentially prejudice future legal proceedings.
Police have not disclosed the relationship between the arrested individuals and the baby, nor have they confirmed where Atijus was living at the time of the incident. Such details are often withheld during the early stages of a murder investigation to protect the integrity of the case and ensure that inquiries are not compromised.
Community Impact and Appeal for Information
The death of a three-month-old child has understandably caused widespread sadness and concern in March and the surrounding areas. Residents of St John’s Chase and the wider Cambridgeshire community have expressed shock at the events, with many struggling to comprehend how such a young child could suffer fatal injuries. Police have acknowledged the emotional toll the case has taken locally and have reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation.
As part of their inquiries, Cambridgeshire Police are appealing to anyone who may have information relevant to the case to come forward. This includes individuals who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area around St John’s Chase in the days leading up to 3 January, or anyone who had contact with those involved. Information can be provided directly through the police website, by calling the non-emergency number 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Authorities have stressed that even seemingly minor details could prove significant. Detectives are piecing together a timeline of events, including the baby’s movements, interactions, and care in the period before he was found injured. Public cooperation is often crucial in cases involving vulnerable victims, where evidence may be limited and timelines are essential to understanding what occurred.
Cambridgeshire Police continue to maintain a presence in the area as part of reassurance patrols and investigative work. They have reiterated their request for sensitivity and restraint from the public, particularly online, as the investigation progresses. The focus, they say, remains on establishing the facts surrounding Atijus Elertaite’s death and ensuring that a full and fair investigation is carried out.