A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three children were found dead in a house in Bristol.
Officers made the tragic discovery in the early hours of Sunday morning after receiving a welfare call at a property Blaise Walk, Sea Mills, about 12.40pm.
Three children were pronounced dead at the scene. Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement, adding the cause of death is yet to be confirmed..
A murder investigation has been launched with the 42-year-old woman who was arrested being held in police custody at a hospital, police added.
Locals reported seeing a heavy police presence in the area this morning, while photos show part of the road cordoned off. with several police cars and a forensic team on site.
Police have arrested a woman on suspicion of murder after three children were found dead at an address in Blaise Walk, Sea Mills in Bristol. In the photo: police on site this afternoon
The three children were pronounced dead at the scene, Avon and Somerset Police said today. In the photo: police at home
Neighborhood Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “This is an incredibly tragic and heartbreaking incident in which three children have sadly lost their lives.
“My sincere condolences go out to the children’s loved ones and we will ensure they receive support through our Family Liaison Unit.
‘We believe this is an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the wider community, but officers will remain on scene to reassure anyone who has questions or concerns.
“Residents can expect an increased police presence in the coming days and we thank them for their cooperation during this period.”
Police said the Independent Office for Police Conduct was notified of the incident due to ‘prior police contact’.
Mayor of Bristol Martin Reeves wrote on Facebook: ‘It is almost impossible to find words to describe this afternoon’s devastating news from Sea Mills, Bristol.
‘My thoughts are with everyone who knew these three young children – we will work with schools, the community and police to support people.’
Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West, added on social media: ‘I am deeply saddened by this tragic news from Sea Mills today.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the children, and my thanks go to our emergency services who responded. Avon and Somerset Police remain in the area but are treating this as an isolated incident.”
Avon and Somerset Police said the discovery was made after officers attended a welfare call in Blaise Walk, Sea Mills
Police have arrested a woman on suspicion of murder after three children were found dead at an address in Blaise Walk, Bristol
Councilor Henry Michallat, who represents Sea Mills, added: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news coming from Sea Mills today.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the children’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time. I thank the emergency services personnel who responded.”
Avon and Somerset Police Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford added: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the deaths of three children today in Sea Mills.
‘The deaths of these children are heartbreaking. My thoughts are with all those who knew and cared for these children, and with the local community, who I know will be affected.
‘Police have made an arrest and believe this is an isolated incident. They believe there is no further risk to the wider community.
‘Questions may be asked about how such a horrific event happened and what could have been done to prevent it, but for now I am asking people to allow the police to investigate.’
A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘Officers attended a welfare call at Blaise Walk, in Sea Mills, at around 12.40pm on Sunday, February 18.
‘Tragically, three young children in the property were pronounced dead a short time later.
‘A 42-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody in hospital.
‘As is usual in these circumstances, we have notified the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), due to prior police contact.’
An IOPC spokesperson said: ‘We were made aware of this tragic incident in Bristol this afternoon by Avon and Somerset Police, who told us there had been previous police contact earlier this month.
‘We have requested a paper referral with more information about the previous contact. Once we receive it, we will review it to determine if any further action is required from us.”
The Sea Mills community is reeling from the incident. The local playgroup in the area will remain closed tomorrow as a result of the tragedy.
Sea Mills Community Playgroup wrote on Facebook: ‘Due to the tragic events in our community today, playgroup will be canceled tomorrow morning.
‘Our thoughts go out to the family and their friends, neighbours, school friends and the wider community.’