The head of Haringey Council offered his personal apology and that of the authority over the events that led to the death of Baby P.
Facing calls for his resignation, council leader George Meehan gave his "heartfelt and unreserved" apology for "the suffering he endured" and the "failure of all the child protection agencies" to save his life.
Members of the public shouted "shame" and "how many more must die?" during the highly-charged cabinet meeting, while Liberal Democrat councillors continued their calls for Mr Meehan to step down.
Mr Meehan issued the apology to "all those who knew and cared for the wellbeing of Baby P".
He added: "It is made to all those residents from Haringey who feel let down by the actions of the child protection agencies in our area and concerned for the future of every other child at risk, and it is made to the wider public who will have listened before at the dreadful damage done during the tragically short life of Baby P."
The 17-month-old toddler died in a blood-spattered cot on August 3 last year. He had suffered more than 50 injuries at the hands of his mother, her boyfriend and a lodger despite repeated visits by the authorities.
In the statement, Mr Meehan said he would wait for the outcome of a Government review before commenting in detail on the case. But he added: "There is no failure to apologise in full by this council, we do so unreservedly."
He continued: "There is no failure to recognise our accountability, we do so and await the report of the review."
After the statement, Liberal Democrat members of the council repeated their calls for Mr Meehan to stand down. Opposition Lib Dem leader Robert Gorrie said: "It may be best for the council if he stands down now." He also urged the council leader to offer his personal apology, to which Mr Meehan replied: "I have no problem saying I personally apologise."
Before the meeting a small group of residents demonstrated outside the Civic Centre, holding banners saying "Haringey: unfit for purpose" and "Baby P - how many more?".
