An inquest opened this morning into the death of six-year-old Ellie Butler.

The youngster died of head injuries after being found collapsed at her family home in Westover Close in Sutton's Shanklin Estate on October 28.

Her dad, Ben Butler, was rebailed until the new year on Tuesday following his arrest after Ellie's death.  

Detective chief inspector Charles King, of the Metropolitan Police, told South London Coroner's Court this morning he believed her death was suspicious. 

Police remain in possession of Ellie's body while further tests are carried out, following an autopsy which established the cause of her death as head injuries. 

Det Chief Ins King said the tests could take up to two months. 

Asked by coroner Dr Roy Palmer if he believed the six-year-old's death was suspicious, the detective said: "Yes, in my opinion it was."

Dr Palmer adjourned the inquest  to await the outcome of the police investigation.

 

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