Baby, 7-year-old boy and girl, 3, died in Bristol ‘tragedy’ as woman arrested

A 10-month-old baby, a three-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy have been identified by police as the three children found dead at a property in Bristol on Sunday.

A 42-year-old woman who was at the scene has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The woman has been taken to hospital due to injuries she sustained – her condition is not life-threatening.

Police officers discovered the children at around 12.40am on 18 February after being called to Blaise Walk, Sea Mills, by a concerned member of the public.

They have not yet been formally identified.

Avon and Somerset Police Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said in a statement read at the scene: “We were first called by a member of the public who was concerned for the welfare of the occupants early on Sunday 18 February.

“Officers arrived at about 12.40am and found three children whose lives could not be saved.

“Forensic post-mortem examinations will now be carried out on the children to establish the cause of death and it’s important we don’t give further detail on this until the proper processes have been carried out.

“The post-mortem examinations are not likely to be completed until the middle to the end of this week at the earliest.

“Formal identification has not yet taken place, but we believe the victims are a boy aged seven, a girl of three and a 10-month-old boy.

“Their next of kin have been informed and are being given all the help and support they need by specialist family liaison officers.

“A 42-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital due to injuries she’d sustained. Her condition is not life-threatening, and she remains in police custody at this time.”

Police believe the “incredibly tragic and heartbreaking” incident is isolated and that there is no further risk to the wider public.

Officers will remain at the scene to provide reassurance to the local community.

Residents have been told to expect to see an increased police presence over the coming days.

Avon and Somerset Police said it has notified the Independent Office for Police (IOPC) conduct due to prior police contact with those involved in the incident.

It confirmed a mandatory formal referral to the IOPC will be made today.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call 101 and give the reference 5224042788, or contact Avon and Somerset Police through its website.