AN inquiry has been launched into how a new mother from Peebles died after going missing for seven hours in a hospital this week.

Amanda Cox was transferred to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after prematurely giving birth to son, Murray, last Thursday at Borders General Hospital.

It is understood she had been complaining of severe headaches prior to and after giving birth.

After visiting her baby on Monday afternoon, Amanda didn’t return to her own ward.

Health bosses brought in the police at around 3pm. A full-scale search was launched and a public appeal was made in an effort to trace Amanda.

The 34-year-old was discovered seven hours later in a disused part of the hospital – and she died soon after.

Police Scotland, who are treating Amanda’s death as unexplained, are conducting enquiries into the circumstances. And they are being assisted by NHS Lothian.

Jim Crombie, deputy chief executive of NHS Lothian, told us: “My thoughts and sympathies are with the family of Amanda Cox at this sad time.

“A police investigation is ongoing and we are assisting with their enquiries.”

A ‘sudden death’ report is being prepared by investigating officers for the Procurator Fiscal in Edinburgh, and it is likely a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held.

Amanda’s family, including husband Michael, have been at baby Murray’s bedside since Monday’s tragedy.

And they have been supported by hundreds of messages of sympathy from back home in Peeblesshire.

After we reported Amanda’s death on Tuesday, dozens of friends took to our social media pages to offer their condolences.

Shona Robson said: “So very sad, heartfelt sympathy goes out to family and friends, RIP.”

And Vicki Macdonald stated: “Incredibly sad. My thoughts are with Amanda’s friends and family.”

John Clarkson from Innerleithen set up a gofundme page on Wednesday in an effort to raise £6,000 to cover the costs of Amanda’s funeral and the ongoing expenses involved in support for baby Murray.

John stated: “On Monday a good friend of mine Michael Cox lost his wife Amanda four days after she gave birth to their first child Murray two months premature.

“I have arranged this with the permission of one of Michael’s brothers to try and help Michael out anyway we can be it for funeral costs for Amanda or help with fuel costs travelling the 25 miles to the hospital daily for the next two months or with day to day costs for helping to raise Murray on his own.”