Woman, 40, is charged after boy is found dead in South Devon

A mother was due to appear in court this morning charged with the murder of her two-year-old son.

Angela Vane has been charged with the murder of her son, toddler Shaun O'Neill.

The two-year-old's body had been found in Champernowne, in Modbury, say police.

Scenes of Crime officers were at the address – in a quiet residential street – at 8am on Saturday morning following a report to officers.

Police quizzed 40-year-old Vane at Charles Cross Police Station over the weekend before charging her last night.

She was due to appear in the dock at Torquay Magistrates' Court this morning.

It is understood relatives of the child have been informed about his death and of Vane being charged.

Several police officers have remained at the scene and a cordon has been placed around the house.

Floral tributes and a small teddy bear have also been left outside.

One tribute read: "RIP Little Man."

Investigators carried out door-to-door inquiries among residents in the area on Saturday. Shaun's body was taken to Derriford Hospital and a post-mortem examination was carried out over the weekend.

Neighbours in the quiet residential street told of their shock as officers cordoned off a property.

Police descended on the sleepy cul-de-sac as residents watched from their windows in disbelief.

Some of those in the close-knit community spoke of their shock at what they had seen.

Residents in the village said youngster had recently begun attending a local pre-school.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "We saw the police there and people in white coats so we knew something was really wrong.

"It's such a small area, everyone knows everyone and we're all just in shock.

"You wouldn't expect it at all here, it's a community within a community and it's so quiet."

Peter Watts, chairman of the Modbury Parish Council, said: "Everyone is in shock, we don't know what has gone on.

"It's a big shock something like this could happen in Modbury, it's such a small community."

And a Modbury churchgoer added last night: "We have been saying our prayers for the family, that's all we can do."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police on 101, quoting log number 0218 of January 19.