Michael Harrison was arrested last week and has also been charged with engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour.

The 41-year-old appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Monday and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He was not required to enter a plea during the short hearing and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance at Derby Crown Court on Tuesday.

The child, who has not been named by police, was found in Shipley Country Park, in Heanor, Derbyshire, on Saturday 18 June.

Paramedics were called to Thorpes Road, near the park, and discovered the injured youngster.

He died later that day, police said.

Officers from Derbyshire Constabulary and the East Midlands major crime unit are set to remain in the area over the next few days as they continue their inquiries.

They are also looking into the whereabouts of a Vauxhall Combo van in relation to the incident.

Anyone with information on the van, which has one of the following licence plates - FL54 JBJ, FL54 JDJ or FG57 FTO - has been asked to contact Derbyshire Constabulary.