Police have revealed they had previous “contact” with the family of a father and his six-year-old daughter found dead inside a house in West Lothian – but a top officer has claimed there’s “nothing connected to this incident that causes any concern”.
The force said emergency crews attended at a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder, on Monday afternoon following a report of concern from a family member that the girl had failed to attend school.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was mobilised to help gain access to the house, where the bodies of a 36-year-old man and his six-year-old daughter were discovered within.
Sky News understands their names were Mark and Hope Gordon.
The property has been taped off by police
A forensics tent has been erected at the property
The deaths are currently being treated as “unexplained”, with post-mortem examinations set to take place this week.
Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks told Sky News’ Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies that the girl’s mum was “understandably devastated”.
The divisional commander for the Lothians and Scottish Borders added: “It’s a particularly tragic set of circumstances. To lose any child has a significant impact.”
Police remain in the area as enquiries continue
Pic: PA
At a police news conference on Wednesday, Chief Supt Banks said he was unaware of any prior concerns in relation to the girl.
However, the force has had previous contact with the family.
He stated: “The police are aware of the family, we’ve engaged with them at various points, but there is nothing connected to this incident that causes any concern.”
When pressed to explain further, he added: “Well, family would come into contact with the police for a whole variety of reasons and to other agencies as well.
“So, we know who the individuals are that come into contact, but [as I said], nothing connected to this incident and nothing that causes any concern relating to this incident.”
Pic: PA
Chief Supt Banks said investigating officers will be reviewing all information at this “extremely difficult and extremely sad time” for the dad and daughter’s family.
He added: “Enquiries are clearly still at a relatively early stage, therefore I’m unable to go into any detail around the cause of death at this time.”
Chief Supt Banks said the force was “working tirelessly to understand exactly what happened within the property” and further details will be provided as soon as the team has them.
The officer, who is a local resident himself, added: “I would ask that people try and avoid speculation at this time.”
The incident appears to have been contained to the one property with “no wider risk” to the community.
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While the house is located near to the village’s Parkhead Primary School, West Lothian Council said the girl was not a pupil.
Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry told Sky News she attended another primary in the region.
He added: “Our thoughts remain with the man and girl’s relatives at this extremely difficult time, and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“They’re understandably devastated. It’s vital we get answers for them.
“At this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved and enquiries remain ongoing.
“I would ask anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, get in touch with us.”