FOUR members of staff at Haringey council's children's services have been sacked for failings in the care of Baby P. Maria Ward, a social worker, Cecilia Hitchen, deputy director of children and families, Gillie Christou, a team manager, and Clive Preece,

FOUR members of staff at Haringey council's children's services have been sacked for failings in the care of Baby P.

Maria Ward, a social worker, Cecilia Hitchen, deputy director of children and families, Gillie Christou, a team manager, and Clive Preece, head of children in need and safeguarding services have been dismissed following an investigation.

The decision comes after all four were suspended in December last year, at the same time that Sharon Shoesmith, former director of children's services, was sacked.

A council spokesman said that Mr Preece, Ms Christou and Ms Ward were dismissed for "gross misconduct" and Ms Hitchen for "loss of trust and confidence".

"In all cases, they were dismissed without compensation or payment in lieu of notice," he added.

Baby P, a 17-month old boy, died at the hands of his mother, her lover and a lodger in August 2007, despite being seen 60 times by social workers and health professionals.