Neighbours' shock over death of girl, 2, and boy, 3

2 days ago 7

Alex McIntyreWest Midlands and

David LumbStafford

BBC A police car parked sideways on a road leading to a residential street. A police officer can be seen standing on the other side of the car. Terraced houses line the left of the street in the distance with cars parked at the side of the road.

Neighbours have spoken of their shock after the death of two children in Stafford as police continue to question a woman on suspicion of murder.

Meraj Ul Zahra, two, and Abdul Momin Alfaateh, three, died after they were found injured and unresponsive at a home on Corporation Street at about 07:30 BST on Sunday.

A 43-year-old woman from Stafford was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody while inquiries continued, Staffordshire Police said.

Neighbours have told BBC Midlands Today of their shock after learning what had happened, with one woman describing it as "dreadful" and "absolutely mad".

Another resident, Maddison Simcock, said: "I saw all the police and ambulances going up, and I was so worried.

"My mum rang me telling me [what had happened], and I said, 'On my street?'. It was crazy."

A woman with long red hair and a blue top is standing outside the front door of a terraced house. Garden walls can be seen behind her as well as a residential street.

Jeffrey Marfo said he was "really devastated" after he learnt of the children's deaths.

"The whole area has become very, very tense. We don't know what's happening," he added.

Police remained at Corporation Street on Monday as investigations continued, and flowers were also left at the scene.

Among them were two bouquets from Ben Lowe, who lives nearby.

"It's sad, it's just really sad. I live 10 to 15 doors away. I've got two children myself," he said.

"There are a lot of children round here. It's a very family-orientated area. I can't say that I know them [the two victims], I just felt it was important to mark a bit of respect for these kids.

"I don't know what's happened, but at the end of the day, two children have died, and I think they should be respected."

Asked how the community was feeling in the wake of the incident, Mr Lowe added: "It's quite sombre, everyone is really sombre.

"People are carrying on, doing their thing, taking their kids to school and whatnot, but there is a very melancholy atmosphere."

'Absolutely heartbreaking'

MP for Stafford Leigh Ingham wrote that the incident was "absolutely heartbreaking news in our community".

She added on her Facebook page: "My heart goes out to the family affected in this case.

"Thank you as always to our tireless emergency services, who I know will be working incredibly hard to gather all the facts.

"At times like this, I would ask that everyone is careful to avoid speculation online."

A forensic investigation officer is wearing a white suit, which covers them from their head to their feet, and blue gloves. They are standing next to a Staffordshire Police van with "Forensic Investigation" on the side along with blue and yellow livery.

Det Insp Kirsty Oldfield said on Sunday: "We are working hard to understand more about what happened leading up to these two children tragically losing their lives."

She asked people not to speculate about what happened, as it was "distressing" for the family and could hinder police inquiries.

"We understand that this incident may cause concern in the local community. There is no wider threat to the public," she added.

Police were called to the home by West Midlands Ambulance Service, which attended shortly before 07:30 BST on Sunday.

"Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save [the children], and they were confirmed dead at the scene," a spokesperson said.

The incident was also referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which said there had been "recent police contact" prior to the children's deaths.

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