Putnam - State police say they are investigating the sudden death Wednesday of a 2½-year-old child in Putnam.

Putnam and state police were notified of the death shortly after noon, according to state police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance. Emergency medical personnel responded to 129 Mechanic St. in Putnam where the child was reported to be in distress.

Police said the child was provided emergency care and transported to Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, where the child was pronounced dead shortly after admission.

Putnam police and Windham County State's Attorney Patricia Froehlich requested the assistance of State Police Major Crime Squad detectives to investigate the facts and circumstances of the child's death, Vance said.

Police said the child’s home was secured and state police detectives were assisted by Putnam police in processing the scene of the death. Information from witnesses and items of evidence were also secured, Vance said.

The investigation is ongoing.

The state Office of the Chief State's Medical Examiner will conduct a post mortem examination of the child to determine the manner and cause of death.

The identity of the child is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.