A father has been charged with murder after leaving his eight-month-old daughter in his overheated car while he went to work.

Joshua Blunt, aged 25, was held in custody after his young daughter Shania Caradine was found unconcious in the vehicle, which was parked outside the restaurant along Scenic Loop 333 in Grenada, Mississippi, where he was working his shift yesterday afternoon.

Grenada County Deputy Coroner Jo Morman said the child was taken to a hospital in Jackson, but doctors could not revive her.

Blunt was later charged with second-degree murder and tonight remained in custody on a $250,000 (£172,163) bail bond.

He reportedly told officers he had gone to work and had "forgotten" Shania was in the car.

In a statement released today, the Grenada Police Department said it was "saddened" by the death.

"Grenada Police would like to caution parents to check their vehicles to ensure that children are not left inside unattended during the hot summer months," it added.