Woman arrested on suspicion of murder after three children found dead at Bristol property
A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three children were found dead at a property in Bristol.
Police were called to Blaise Walk in the Sea Mills area of the city at 12.40am on Sunday after receiving a “concern for welfare call”.
Three “young children” found inside the property were pronounced dead a short time later, Avon and Somerset Police said.
The woman, 42, is being held in police custody in hospital.
It is believed to be an “isolated incident” with “no further risk to the wider community”, Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said.
Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team are investigating.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it had been alerted because there was “prior police contact earlier this month”.
A spokesperson said: “We have requested a paper referral with further information about the prior contact and once received, we will assess it to determine whether further action is required from us.”
Mark Shelford, the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, said there were “questions to be asked about how such an appalling event has occurred and what could have been done to prevent it”.
Officers will remain at the scene to “provide reassurance to anyone who has any questions or concerns”, Ms Hayward-Melen said.
“Over the coming days, residents can expect to see an increased police presence and we thank them for their cooperation during this time.”
She added: “This is an incredibly tragic and heartbreaking incident in which three children have sadly died.
“My sincere condolences go to the children’s loved ones and we will be ensuring they are offered support through our family liaison unit.”