Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Woman charged with murder after death of six-year-old boy

Karolina Zurawska, 41, also faces an attempted murder charge and will appear before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday

Rod Minchin
Sunday 01 September 2024 15:10 EDT
Alexander Zurawski, six, died at a property in the Gendros area of Swansea (South Wales Police/PA)
Alexander Zurawski, six, died at a property in the Gendros area of Swansea (South Wales Police/PA) (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A woman has been charged with murder following the death of a six-year-old boy.

Karolina Zurawska, 41, from Gendros, Swansea, will appear before the city’s magistrates court on Monday in connection with the death of Alexander Zurawski.

Alexander was found dead at a property in Cwm Du Close, Gendros, on Thursday.

Zurawska has also been charged with attempted murder in connection with an incident involving a 67-year-old man earlier on the same date.

Alexander was always helpful. Always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning

Family statement

South Wales Police said detectives were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Chief Superintendent Chris Truscott, divisional commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, said: “This is a distressing incident which has been a tremendous shock to the local community.

“The local community has been outstanding in their support of our investigation, and we would like to thank all of them for their patience during what has been a traumatic few days.

“A police presence will be retained in the local area over the coming days in order to provide advice and reassurance.

“Our thoughts are with Alexander’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Alexander’s family described him as a “very kind child” in a statement issued by police.

“He loved playing with his little sister and playing with his dog Daisy,” they said.

“Alexander was always well behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had great understanding of facts.

“Alexander was always helpful. Always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning.

Alexander was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook

Bethany Peterson, headteacher

“Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong.

“He was amazing.”

The family also thanked the emergency services who were involved in the incident on Thursday.

Bethan Peterson, headteacher of Whitestone Primary School, said: “We’re devastated to learn of the tragic death of Alexander.

“Alexander was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook.

“He was an extremely loved and popular boy amongst his peers, staff and with all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.

“Appropriate support will be made available to children, staff and all those within our school community who are affected.

“We would ask that our school community’s privacy be respected at this difficult time.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in