Staffordshire Police have reported the tragic deaths of a seven-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy in a suspected case of double murder.
Following an incident in Flax Street, Stoke, on Sunday, law enforcement cordoned off an alley as they responded to the situation. The bodies of the deceased children were found in a house nearby.
In a recent update provided by the police this morning, it was revealed that they received a distress call at 2:04 p.m. on Sunday reporting a stabbing incident at a car wash located on Campbell Road.
After receiving medical attention from paramedics, the man involved in the stabbing incident was discharged from the hospital.
Following the murder incident, law enforcement proceeded to a residence on Flax Street where they apprehended a 49-year-old woman from Stoke-on-Trent in relation to the stabbing incident.
During their presence at the address, two children were discovered unresponsive inside the property, sustaining significant injuries. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, both children tragically passed away at the scene.
The family members of the deceased children have been notified, and they are receiving support from specially-trained officers during this distressing period.
Staffordshire Police confirmed that the woman was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and is presently in custody.
Given the recent interaction with the police, a voluntary referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as per protocol.
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan provided the following statement:
‘Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the children. I cannot image the pain and shock they are feeling.
‘We also understand the concern felt locally around this incident and the speculation around what has happened.
‘We can now confirm that the two people who lost their lives are an 11-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl.
‘Our priority was to inform the family before confirming the ages of the children. They are currently being supported by specially trained officers.
‘The woman arrested is known to the children. We don’t believe there to be any wider threat to the public at this time.
‘Our focus remains on finding out more about what happened yesterday and supporting the family at this deeply distressing and tragic time.’
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan urges anyone who possesses information that may assist in our ongoing investigation to come forward promptly.
Of particular interest are individuals who may have access to CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Flax Street and Campbell Road between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. yesterday. Additionally, we encourage those who were present in the area during that time frame to come forward and share any relevant details they may have.