Sharon Shoesmith, director of children’s services in Haringey, has been sacked over the death of Baby P.

Ms Shoesmith was suspended earlier in the month while the council investigated the affair.

She has become something close to a hate-figure in the tabloid press, after an initial press conference over the death saw her refuse to apologise.

There has been an avalanche of hate mail to her address since, as anger over the death continues.

Baby P died despite being seen on numerous occasions by Haringey social services.

His mother and two men were found guilty of causing his death.

The case provoked a fierce political storm in which questions were asked about local authorities’ effectiveness in spotting and dealing with child abuse.