Scrutiny switches from boy-dad to papers

Scrutiny has switched from boy-father Alfie Patten to the newspapers that broke his story as the British media watchdog launches a probe into alleged payments made to the teen.

The Press Complaints Commission says it will investigate allegations tabloid papers The Sun and The People paid for 13-year-old Alfie's story.

The Sussex teen reportedly conceived baby Maisie with girlfriend Chantelle Steadman, who is 15. Alfie was 12 at the time and Chantelle was 14.

The Sun broke the story on Friday. Aflie has since said he would take a DNA test to prove he fathered Maisie after two other teenagers told News of the World they had also slept with Chantelle.

The 15-year-old schoolgirl has hit out at the boys' claims, reportedly declaring "I love Alfie ... I lost my virginity to him".

The PCC says payment for the teenagers' story could be in breach of the Editor's Code of Conduct, which stipulates that "minors must not be paid for material involving children's welfare, nor parents or guardians for material about their children or wards, unless it is clearly in the child's interests".

The PCC also says newspapers can breach the rule if there is a "demonstrable public interest".

A ruling on the matter is expected soon.

The Sun has continued its coverage of the young couple's plight, updating on Monday with Chantelle's side of the story.

"Cruel things have been said but I am just trying to look after my baby and ignore them," she told the newspaper.

"We decided to start a physical relationship because we love each other. There has been no one else."

Chantelle also said she and Alfie had been sharing baby duties since Maisie's birth last week.

"He has looked after me so well. He has held my hand and rubbed my back," she said.

"We can't stand being away from each other. He gets upset when he is away from Maisie and me."

The newspaper also reported six children plus baby Maisie lived in a three-bedroom council house in Eastbourne, East Sussex house with Chantelle's mother, Penny. Alfie lives with his parents in nearby Hailsham.

- © Fairfax NZ News