Bristol police reveal 10-month-old baby was among three children found dead in Sea Mills home
A woman was arrested on suspicion of murder after three children were found dead at a property in Bristol on Sunday
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A woman remains in police custody after police revealed a 10-month-old baby was among the three children found dead at a home in Bristol on Sunday.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on Monday morning that the victims were a seven-year-old boy, a three-year-old girl, and a 10-month-old boy.
Officers attended a concern for welfare call in Blaise Walk, in Sea Mills, at around 12.40am and discovered three young children inside the property.
They were pronounced dead a short time later.
The 42-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently being treated in hospital for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.
The woman is believed to be a Sudanese national and to have lived at the address with her husband - although it’s understood he wasn’t at the home at the time of the incident.
The force will today make a formal referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on the case. It’s understood it is over contact made with the family.
The home is a semi-detached property located in a quiet residential street in Sea Mills, which is located on the banks of the River Avon around four miles north west of Bristol city centre.
Speaking from the scene to reporters, Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “I’d like to start by saying this is a terrible and deeply distressing tragedy in which three young children have lost their lives. Our thoughts are very much with the children’s loved ones who are going through an horrendous ordeal.”
“We were first called by a member of the public who was concerned for the welfare of the occupants early on Sunday. Officers arrived at about 12.40am and found three children whose lives could not be saved.”
She added: “Formal identification has not yet taken place, but we believe the victims are a boy aged seven, a girl of three and a 10-month-old boy. Their next of kin have been informed and are being given all the help and support they need by specialist family liaison officers.”
The death of the three children has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Sea Mills Primary School announced it would be closed on Monday morning and reopen at 1.30pm. Sea Mills Play Group also said it would not open on Monday.
In a statement, the playgroup said: “Due to the tragic events in our community today, playgroup will be cancelled tomorrow morning. Our hearts go out to the family and their friends, neighbours, school friends and wider community.”
Churches have been also providing support. On Sunday night, one held a vigil, while several more are open today for people to come in and discuss any concerns they have.
Ch Insp Hayward-Melen said: “We’ve been humbled by the community response to this tragedy. At a time of great sadness and disbelief, we’ve seen spontaneous acts of care and support. Within hours of the incident occurring, a local church was opened up for people to gather and mourn.
“This is what being in a community is all about and we’d like to thank all those who continue to offer this important and selfless service.
“The death of such young children is a great shock to the whole community and this incident has had a profound and deep impact on all of us in the police. We’ll be making sure all those involved in the response and the subsequent investigation are given any welfare support they may need.”
A woman, who did not wish to be named, described the arrested woman as “lovely”.
She said the family had two boys, aged around eight and six months, and a girl aged around four.
“She was so happy when she had that little boy,” she said. “We were so happy for her, we came round and gave gifts.
“She was really gentle, really lovely. She always had a smile on her face.”