A six-month-old baby girl has been crushed to death by her mother's car.

Jodie Lane was in her pushchair on the driveway of the family's home in Walsall when the car "lurched" forward.

West Midlands Police said Jodie's mother, Katrina Lane, may have inadvertently started the Nissan Bluebird while checking the fuel gauge, making the car leap forward into her daughter's pushchair.

Jodie was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital following the incident at Stag Crescent, Leamore, on Tuesday, but she died from her injuries.

'Tragic circumstances'

Detective chief inspector Bob Spencer said officers were exploring the theory that the car was in gear with the handbrake off when the engine accidentally started.

"That is theory we are working on and that is what early indications suggest.

"It really is a tragic set of circumstances and we have no evidence to suggest this was anything other than a terrible accident.

"The pushchair was not in a place where you think the baby would be in any danger whatsoever.

"It has deeply affected some of our most hardened officers, which is nothing compared to the trauma that the family must be going through."

Mr Spencer said a family liaison officer would be appointed to help Miss Lane and Jodie's father, Carl Barton.

An inquest into Jodie's death is expected to be held at the Coroner's Court in Walsall Manor Hospital on 25 June.