"We have made two arrests and officers will remain at the property whilst we investigate. If you have any information to pass on, or you have concerns, please get in touch with one of our officers."

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place later.

Mr Ruffle said: "At about 12.05 on Sunday morning police were called to Beaford Road to a report of a domestic incident. On arrival they discovered a man and woman had left the address and gone to hospital. When officers entered the property, sadly they found the body of a young boy.

"The woman is being treated for serious injuries in hospital and a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning.

"This is an absolutely tragic case and I know the community will be horrified and saddened to hear the tragic news this morning and our thoughts at this time are with the family, friends and all others in the local community who have been affected by this incident.

"I want to offer my reassurances that we have launched a full murder investigation and have a team of detectives working on this case to establish exactly what has led to this young boy's death.