DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a baby boy in a high street shop were continuing to question his father last night.

Ten-month-old Hassan Martin was in a Carlisle bakery with his mother, Lorna Martin, 20, when he was stabbed in the neck on Monday.

Neighbours identified the baby's father as Shajan Kabir, 39, who is believed to be from Bangladesh.

The child, who was entered into a baby competition two months ago, was attacked in the Greggs bakery in Scotch Street.

Shoppers overpowered his attacker and officers from the city's central police station, about 100 yards away, were quickly on the scene.

The baby was taken to Cumberland Infirmary, where he was pronounced dead.

Ms Martin, who lives with her mother, Pauline, in Carlisle, suffered cuts to her wrist. A hospital spokeswoman said last night that her condition was stable.

A police spokesman said that a 39-year-old man from the Carlisle area had been arrested in connection with the

incident.

Family and friends yesterday expressed their sorrow at Hassan's death.

Anne Burn, one of the family's best friends, said Ms Martin had battled against epilepsy to take a place at Carlisle College to study child care.

Mrs Burn, 68, who has known the family for six years, said: ''I'm worried how Lorna will take this, because she has always wanted a baby. If I could ask God to go in his place, I would do.''

Neighbour Reg Peacock, 68, said the tragedy had shocked the street. He said: ''How can anyone do anything like that? Killing a baby is just tragic.''