The leader of Haringey Council has issued a formal apology over the horrific death of Baby P.

The 17-month-old boy was left to be tortured by his mum and two men - despite being on the authority's "at risk" list.

Councillor George Meehan said sorry at a council meeting in north London where he was heckled throughout by people demanding his resignation.

Coun Meehan said: "Let me begin by making clear that we are very sorry for the events which led up to the death of Baby P; sorry for the suffering he endured; sorry for the failure of all the child protection agencies involved to protect him, to save his life.

"Haringey Council's apology is heartfelt and unreserved.

"There is no failure to recognise our accountability - we do so and await the report of the review."

He added: "There has, however, been failure by all the agencies involved to protect this little child from the pain and suffering which led to his death and for that we are truly and genuinely sorry."

Members of the public shouted "shame" and "how many more must die?" during the meeting, while Liberal Democrat councillors continued their calls for Coun Meehan to step down.

Earlier it was reveled that three doctors had warned that Baby P appeared to be suffering physical abuse before his death.

A consultant paediatrician and two other medical experts came to the conclusion that bruises found on the baby's body suggested "non-accidental" injuries.

However, just three days before the boy died after suffering more than 50 injuries in a blood-spattered cot on August 3 last year, prosecutors ruled there was not enough evidence to bring a case.

The disclosure came as the Government announced new measures aimed at enhancing the protection of at-risk youngsters.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls put forward legislation aimed at creating greater accountability for a child's wellbeing, with local services forced to chart their progress in intervening at an early stage.

Under the plans, every local authority will have to have in place a multi-agency Children's Trust Board. It will be responsible for improving the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in the area.

The boards - which will be made up of the local authority, health, police, schools and other services - will be legally required to agree and deliver a Children and Young People's Plan.

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