Derbyshire County Council have opened a serious case review into the circumstances surrounding the murder of 21-month-old Ayeeshia Jane Smith.

The toddler was murdered by her mother Kathryn Smith, 23, during what the judge hearing the case described as ‘a vicious beating in her own bedroom, surrounded by her toys and playthings.’

Mrs Justice Andrews, who presided over the case at Birmingham Crown Court, described Ayeeshia Jane — also known as AJ — as ‘a particularly vulnerable victim, thin and slight of frame, deserving of protection.’

She also added Ayeeshia had been ‘under the protection of social services for the whole of her short life.’

Derbyshire County Council were made aware of the family when Smith, pregnant with AJ, was found living in a garage and moved into supported housing.

Ricky Booth, Ayeeshia’s father, told the BBC he had ‘made calls to social services several weeks before AJ died warning them that she was at "serious risk.”’

A family statement said: ‘Someone should be held responsible and accountable within the social services.’

Andrew Stokes, interim chair of Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Board, said: ‘The death of a child is a tragedy and I’d like to express my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew AJ.

‘All the agencies involved with the family have contributed to a serious case review which has been held to identify any lessons that can be learned.

‘New information has emerged during the criminal trial which we need to consider before we can publish the findings of the review to ensure it is as robust and fully informed as possible.

‘It is important that we take the time to look at this thoroughly to ensure we maintain the highest possible standards to safeguard children and young people across Derbyshire.’