A two-year-old boy lay dead in his cot for two weeks over Christmas before being found by police, it was confirmed today.

Further tests are to be carried out on his body after an initial post-mortem performed last night proved inconclusive.

Police have described the case as "sad and gruesome".

A couple today remained in custody. They have not been charged but the death is being treated as suspicious.

Police broke into the flat in Church Road, Hastings, yesterday lunchtime.

It is understood the couple were inside when officers entered.

A police spokesman said: "It is a very sad case. It is also very tragic as the child lay in its cot for two weeks through Christmas.

"It was a gruesome discovery for the officers who went into the flat. Counselling will be available to them if necessary.

"The post-mortem needs more tests, which may have to be sent away. The couple remain in custody."

Police said the man in custody was 25 and the woman 21. Neither has been named.

A small team of officers is working on the case from an incident room at Hastings police station.