Gardaí investigating the reported death of a newborn infant found only a toy doll when they opened the grave.

The HSE in Co Donegal alerted gardaí about the death of the infant after questions were raised. A couple living in the west of the county had told neighbours that they had a baby. However, a short time later they said that the infant had died and a funeral service was held in the village of Annagry, with the burial taking place in the local cemetery.

Concerns were raised when a HSE official could find no record of a baby being born on the dates given for the birth, or for the particular family name.

Gardaí were then called in to investigate the mystery. It is understood that the couple admitted a child had not been born and that a toy doll was in the coffin.

The HSE and gardaí erected a tent over the grave yesterday and exhumed the coffin. A source confirmed last night that gardaí found the doll and described the episode as "tragic".

Gardaí will send a file on the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions, but a source said charges were unlikely.

Irish Independent