Tributes after death of baby Chloe Sutherland

The family of a baby who died in unexplained circumstances has described her as a “beautiful and vibrant little girl”.

Chloe Sutherland. Picture: Comp

Ten-month-old Chloe Sutherland was taken to hospital on Tuesday following an incident at her Parkhead View home but died at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children just before midnight.

A 35-year-old woman – believed to be Chloe’s mother – has been charged following the death and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court

today.

Police at the Longstone home. Picture: HeMedia

Detectives and forensic teams have pored over the property in the Longstone area while the house remains cordoned off with police tape.

Today, the infant’s family issued a statement telling how Chloe died in hospital with her father – Scottish Gas employee Craig Steedman – holding a vigil by her side.

It read: “Chloe was a beautiful and vibrant little girl who had everything to live for and who sadly passed away peacefully with her daddy and family at her side.

“Chloe was much loved by her brother and sister and her family and friends and will be sadly missed by all of us.”

Mr Steedman’s half-sister Pamela Steedman took to social media to write: “Gorgeous little girl, so lucky to have a daddy who loves her so much xx.”

Floral tributes and toys have been laid on grass close to the house.

One note read: “RIP Chloe forever in our hearts, fly high with the angels, lots of love Jen and Izzy,” while another said simply: “Chloe, we’ll miss you.”

Stunned neighbours of the close-knit community yesterday paid tribute to baby Chloe.

Family friend Peter Roche, 59, who lives above Chloe’s home, said he had been looking forward to watching her grow up.

He said: “I think everyone is going to be devastated and I’m struggling to understand what’s happened.

“My wife and I spent quite a lot of time with Chloe in the back garden, especially when the weather was nice.

“She was a beautiful little girl, a happy child.

“She seemed to be quite self-sufficient.

“She would sit in her buggy in the back garden and smile at everybody.”

Neighbour Sarah Cook, 34, said she had seen Chloe out in her baby walker only last weekend.

Debbie Alexander, 42, whose daughter lives in the street, said the tragedy had taken its toll on all the residents of Parkhead View.

“It’s absolutely devastating and I think it’s already affected the street.” she said. “

“There were people out this morning taking their kids to school and nursery and everyone was very quiet and sad looking. It’s a close-knit street and usually quiet. It’s a shock.”

Chloe was born at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in April last year.