A HAYES teenager has been ordered to undergo therapy after she injured her newborn baby son.

The child was taken to a west London hospital last August with injuries to his throat, believed to have been caused by a chemical. 

His 17-year-old mum was sentenced on Monday to a two year youth supervision order, one year of therapy and 200 hours unpaid work, after she pleaded guilty to child cruelty in January at the Old Bailey.

Detective Constable Philip Tibbles, from the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "This is a tragic case involving a young woman and her child, which will stay with her for the rest of her life.

"I would urge anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances, or who is unable to confide in friends or family, to speak with either their doctor or one of the charities that exist to help.

"No one should find themselves in this position, where they fear that no one can support them."

Police were notified of the baby's injuries by the London Ambulance Service on August 10 last year, after they attended an address in Hayes. 

Officers arrested the child's mother two days later on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm; the next day she was charged with attempted murder.

Three other people - a 41-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman and a 61-year-old woman - who were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent - were informed that no further action would be taken.

Police urge any child in need of help to call Childline on 0800 11 11, or the NSPCC 24 Hour Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000.