The father of a seven-year-old girl who allegedly starved to death said the "manner of her death" was "absolutely disgraceful".

An independent inquiry has been launched into the death of Khyra Ishaq, of Handsworth, Birmingham.

Angela Gordon, 33, and Junaid Abuhamza, 29, have been charged with neglect in connection with her death.

"I'm just as ignorant as everyone else as to what happened," said her father, Ishaq Abu Zaire.

"But like I say... you can put your house on it that we're going to find out, one way or another, we are going to find out exactly what happened here."

Birmingham social services have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Khyra's death.

Her father said he feels let down by the authorities.

"As far as I can see because I have a dead child right now, they did nothing, they did nothing.

"They never lifted a finger to do anything... so they are responsible as well."

He said the last time he saw all of the children, including Khyra, the girl was happy and there was "no concern..with regards to her health".

Khyra's father had been out of the country until Saturday and he said he had not seen his children in more than a year.