Woman Arrested on Suspicion of Murder After Girl, 2, and Boy 3, Are Found Dead Inside Home

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of two toddlers discovered inside a house in Stafford, England.

Police were called to a residence on Corporation Street around 7:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, Oct. 12, where officers found two children injured and unresponsive. The victims were identified as Meraj Ul Zahra, age 2, and Abdul Momin Alfaateh, age 3, according to BBC and The Times. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

“We were called to a home on Corporation Street by colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service,” Staffordshire Police said in a statement. “The two children were pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers at this tragic time.”

The West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) confirmed it had received a call at 7:26 a.m. and dispatched two ambulances along with two paramedic officers.
“On arrival of ambulance staff, we discovered two patients, both children,” a spokesperson said. “Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save them, and they were confirmed dead at the scene.”

A 43-year-old woman, who is related to the victims, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Authorities said she was detained under the Mental Health Act after being evaluated by medical professionals.

Detective Inspector Kirsty Oldfield stated:

“We are working hard to understand more about what happened leading up to these two children tragically losing their lives. We ask that people do not speculate at this stage, as it is distressing for family and friends and could hinder our enquiries.”

Police confirmed that there is no wider threat to the public, and a cordon remains in place at the scene.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to recent police contact before the children’s deaths.
The IOPC told the BBC:

“We were notified by Staffordshire Police of the death of two children in Stafford on Sunday, Oct. 12, where there was recent police contact prior to their death. We understand a referral is being made by the force, which once received, we will assess before deciding whether further action may be required.”

Neighbors expressed their shock and grief. One witness told The Times they saw a surviving child being carried to a police car as the children’s “distraught” father looked on.

Another resident, Luke Browne, 61, said he noticed a forensic van and police car outside as he left for work.

“It’s very sad. Children dying is a horror. It’s quite painful to hear it,” he said. “I’ve only lived here a year, but everybody I’ve met has been lovely.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward and contact police.