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A female suspect is currently in police custody following the discovery of three deceased children, including a 10-month-old baby, at a residence in Bristol on Sunday.
On Monday morning, Avon and Somerset Police stated that the individuals affected were a boy aged seven, a girl aged three, and a boy aged 10 months.
Police officers responded to a report regarding the well-being of individuals at a residence on Blaise Walk in Sea Mills at approximately 12:40am. Upon arrival, they found three young children inside the home.
They were declared deceased shortly after.
A 42-year-old female has been apprehended on suspicion of homicide and is currently receiving medical care for non-life-threatening injuries.
It is believed that the woman is from Sudan and resided at the location with her husband, although he was not present during the incident.
The police department will officially refer the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today. It is believed that this is in regards to communication with the family.
The house is a half-attached property situated on a peaceful street in the residential area of Sea Mills. Sea Mills is positioned along the River Avon, approximately four miles northwest of the center of Bristol.
Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen addressed reporters at the scene, stating that the recent tragedy has been devastating and distressing, resulting in the loss of three young lives. He expressed his condolences to the loved ones of the children who are currently facing a difficult and traumatic situation.
“At approximately 12:40am on Sunday, we received a call from a concerned individual regarding the well-being of the occupants. Upon arrival, officers discovered three children who unfortunately could not be rescued.”
The speaker stated that the formal identification process has not yet occurred, but they are under the impression that the victims are a seven-year-old boy, a three-year-old girl, and a 10-month-old boy. The family members have been notified and are receiving assistance and support from specialized family liaison officers.
The passing of the three kids has caused a ripple effect in the nearby neighborhood.
Sea Mills Primary School declared it will be shut on Monday morning and resume at 1:30 pm. Sea Mills Play Group also confirmed it will not operate on Monday.
The playgroup announced that due to the unfortunate events that occurred in our community, there will be no playgroup tomorrow morning. They expressed their sympathies to the family, their friends, neighbors, schoolmates, and the larger community.
Churches have also been offering aid. One church held a vigil on Sunday evening, and several others are currently open for individuals to come in and address any worries they may have.
Inspector Hayward-Melen expressed gratitude for the community’s reaction to the tragedy. Despite the overwhelming sadness and shock, there has been an outpouring of compassion and assistance. Shortly after the incident, a nearby church offered its space for individuals to come together and grieve.
Being a part of a community means coming together and working towards a common goal. We want to express our gratitude to those who consistently provide this crucial and generous assistance.
The passing of these young children has greatly shaken the entire community, and this event has had a significant and lasting effect on all of us in law enforcement. We will ensure that anyone involved in the initial response and the subsequent investigation receives the necessary support for their well-being.
A woman from the area, who preferred not to be identified, referred to the detained woman as “kind”.
Source: independent.co.uk