Parents charged with baby’s murder in Barnet

A mother and father have been charged with the murder of their three-month-old son after emergency services were called to their home in North Finchley.

On Friday, 30 January at 11:34hrs police and the London Ambulance Service responded to a report of an unresponsive baby boy, Baby A, at a property on Kingsway.

On arrival paramedics performed emergency first aid then rushed the baby to hospital with significant injuries.

His parents were both arrested later that day on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm.

On Monday, 2 February they were charged with causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child and appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 2 February. They were both remanded into custody.

Sadly, despite the efforts of medical staff, Baby A died in hospital on Tuesday, 17 February. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

On Wednesday, 18 February both parents were charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.

They are Dounia Chetaouat, 32 (24.12.1993) of Kingsway, North Finchley and Abdelkader Essid, 44 (08.02.1981) of Clandon Gardens, Finchley.

They are expected to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 February after 14:00hrs.

Detectives continue to appeal for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to call 101 or message @MetCC on X with the reference CAD 2297/31JAN.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.