Girl, 7, and boy, 11, were victims of suspected double murder, police say

A seven-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy were the victims of a suspected double murder in Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday, Staffordshire Police have said.

A 49-year-old woman, who was known to the children, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after officers found the two children with “significant” injuries at a home in Flax Street.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, they died at the scene.

Officers had been called to a car wash in Campbell Road just after 2pm to reports a man had been stabbed.

He was taken to hospital by paramedics and has since been released.

The children’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Staffordshire Police said it has made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to recent police contact.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan said: “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.

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“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”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via their major incident portal, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(This story is being updated)