THE deaths of a six-year-old girl and her father in West Calder are now being treated as a murder-suicide.
The bodies of Mark Gordon and his daughter Hope were discovered at a property in Harburn Drive in the small West Lothian town on Monday shortly after 4pm.
Alarms were raised after Hope failed to attend her primary two class at Toronto Primary School in Livingston, prompting officers to gain entry to the home alongside fire crews.
Now, Police Scotland has confirmed after a post-mortem examination that the schoolgirl’s death is being treated as murder.
Whilst Mr Gordon’s death remains unexplained pending a post-mortem, the police have said that there is “nothing to suggest anyone else is involved” in the deaths.
Officers from Police Scotland’s major investigation team, as well as local officers, continue to carry out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances and at this time, there is not believed to be any risk to the public.
Detective superintendent Grant Hendry, of the major investigation team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Hope’s family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy.
“The families are understandably devastated and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.
“Our team of officers continue to carry out enquiries to get answers for the families and at this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved.
“I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with the police.”
Chief superintendent Gregg Banks, divisional commander, said: “This is a shocking and deeply upsetting incident for the families involved, and the impact is felt right across the local community.
“I am grateful for the support received as we methodically complete essential enquiries within the house in West Calder to ensure the families and local residents get the answers they deserve, and would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
