The father of a baby girl who died in suspicious circumstances has broken his silence to pay tribute to his “perfect wee princess”.
Mikayla Haining was just three weeks old when she died last month.
Her father Tom Haining has now thanked people for their support following his baby daughter’s death – saying his “heart is completely broken”.
Police confirmed earlier this week that they are now treating Mikayla’s death as “suspicious”.
A major investigation into the death is ongoing.
Mikayla died after being rushed to Raigmore Hospital from a flat in Mackay Road, Inverness, where it is understood she lived with Mr Haining and her mother Shannon Davies.
In a lengthy post on social media, Mr Haining said the last four weeks had been “beyond a nightmare”.
He wrote: “She was our perfect wee princess and my heart is completely broken from what’s happened.
“When will this end? All we want is for our daughter’s body to be released so we can finally lay her down to rest.
“And then try get some quiet time to ourselves to grieve and slowly try get back to our lives again.”
Police activity has been focused on the family’s flat on Mackay Road, which was the subject of investigation work by police and forensics officers.
Mr Haining revealed that he had been given the keys to return to the property on Monday and said he found the flat looking like a “bombsite” after all the police activity.
But he then added that he “completely respects” the police and forensic team in their search for answers.
He said he would be staying out of the area until the house was back to normal, adding “which will never happen without
my daughter”.
He added that he wanted to “thank each and every person who has been there for me and sent me lots of support and has helped me cheer up a little and helped me try get through this tough time”.
He added: “It honestly means a lot to me.”
Police confirmed on Monday that they were now treating Mikayla’s death as “suspicious” – having previously described it as “unexplained”.
In a statement, investigating officer Detective Inspector Brian Geddes said: “Following extensive inquiries, we can now confirm that the circumstances surrounding Mikayla Haining’s death are suspicious.
“Our investigation remains ongoing at this time, as we work towards establishing the full set of circumstances that led to Mikayla’s death, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
