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Murder arrest after death of two children in Stafford Murder arrest over deaths in Stafford of children aged 2 and 3
(about 5 hours later)
Two children were found at a property on Corporation Street, StaffordTwo children were found at a property on Corporation Street, Stafford
A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of two children. A girl and boy pronounced dead at a property in Stafford on Sunday morning were aged two and three, police have confirmed amid a murder investigation.
Emergency services were called to a home on Corporation Street, Stafford, at about 07:30 BST, where the two children were pronounced dead. The youngest, Meraj Ul Zahra, was discovered along with Abdul Momin Alfaateh at a home on Corporation Street at about 07:30 BST.
Staffordshire Police confirmed a woman from the Stafford area had been arrested and remained in custody. Both were injured and unresponsive, Staffordshire Police said.
"We are working hard to understand more about what happened leading up to these two children tragically losing their lives," said Det Insp Kirsty Oldfield. A 43-year-old woman from the Stafford area, arrested on suspicion of murder, remained in custody, the force added.
The children's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
In a statement, the force said the incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
An IOPC spokesperson said: "We were notified by Staffordshire Police of the death of two children in Stafford on Sunday 12 October 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 by us."
Forensic investigation officers were seen on the streetForensic investigation officers were seen on the street
"We are working hard to understand more about what happened leading up to these two children tragically losing their lives," said Det Insp Kirsty Oldfield.
She added: "We ask that people do not speculate at this stage as it is distressing for family and friends and could hinder our inquiries."She added: "We ask that people do not speculate at this stage as it is distressing for family and friends and could hinder our inquiries."
Luke Browne, who lives on the street, said he had seen a forensic van and a police car parked there as he left for work on Sunday morning.Luke Browne, who lives on the street, said he had seen a forensic van and a police car parked there as he left for work on Sunday morning.
"It's very sad," he said, "children dying is a horror. It's quite painful to hear [about] it.""It's very sad," he said, "children dying is a horror. It's quite painful to hear [about] it."
The 61-year-old book shop owner added: "I've only lived there a year but everybody I've met has been lovely."The 61-year-old book shop owner added: "I've only lived there a year but everybody I've met has been lovely."
Sebastian Grzesiak, who also lives nearby, said he was also shocked. Sebastian Grzesiak, who also lives nearby, said he too was shocked.
"It's a very quiet and friendly street," he said."It's a very quiet and friendly street," he said.
Neighbour Sebastian Grzesiak said he had been shocked to learn of the deathsNeighbour Sebastian Grzesiak said he had been shocked to learn of the deaths
Officers were called to the home by West Midlands Ambulance Service. A cordon remains in place at the scene.
The children's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the force says.
The ages of the children have not yet been confirmed and a cordon remains in place at the home.
"We understand that this incident may cause concern in the local community," added Det Insp Oldfield."We understand that this incident may cause concern in the local community," added Det Insp Oldfield.
"There is no threat to the wider public.""There is no threat to the wider public."
Part of Corporation Street remains closedPart of Corporation Street remains closed
Paramedics were sent to the property at 07:26, where the two children were discovered, the ambulance service confirmed. Officers were called to the home by West Midlands Ambulance Service which attended at 07:26 BST.
"Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed dead at the scene," a spokesperson said. "Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save [the children] and they were confirmed dead at the scene," an ambulance service spokesperson said.
Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact Staffordshire Police.Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact Staffordshire Police.
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