Concerns were raised for dead West Lothian girl, six, as she 'didn't turn up at school'
West Lothian police have issued an update after two bodies were found at a property on Monday afternoon.
Officers have said that concerns were raised by a family member after a six-year-old girl didn't attend school. After arriving at the home, police gained access to the property and found her body, along with the body of a 36-year-old male.
Police Scotland confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday morning that they were father and daughter.
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Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson spoke on Wednesday morning and said that the family are 'understandably devastated'. A police presence will remain in the area while the investigation is ongoing.
DCI Williamson, of the Major Investigation Team, said: "Our thoughts remain with the man and girl's relatives at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.
"At this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved and our enquiries are continuing. I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with officers."
Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: "We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
"This incident is very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
"A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers."
Emergency services were called to the scene on Harburn Drive in West Calder at around 4pm. Residents watched as fire crews broke down the door of a property.
Images from the scene on Monday how areas of the street taped off, with emergency services vehicles parked up.
Local resident Marlyn Williamson said the event could cause 'long lasting trauma' for those living in the village. The 53-year-old spoke to Edinburgh Live on Tuesday.
"When I heard what happened I felt horrible," Marlyn said. "It happened so close to home and I think it'll always be something which sticks with us in the future, it won't go away and there will always be a community trauma.
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"My mum was beside herself last night, when she walked up the stairs to go to bed she was tapping the pictures of our family on the wall. As a whole community we are shocked, there are a lot of young families and there are a lot of them who must have had to pass all those police and the cordon.
"In the summer you always see all the kids playing outside, there is a feeling everyone looks out for them and it is so good to see. But that could all change now. There is a worry kids may seem fine now but the impact will be felt years down the line. I worry the freedom we have all enjoyed growing up could be lost for this generation."
West Lothian Council confirmed to parents and pupils that the tragic deaths were not connected to the nearby Parkhead Primary School. A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: "We’d urge anyone with any information to contact Police Scotland to assist with their enquiries.
"Other than its proximity to the reported incident, we have reassured parents and pupils that this incident has no connection to Parkhead Primary School. Our school remains open as normal."
East Calder councillor Damian Doran-Timson told Edinburgh Live : "It is awful news to hear of this. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this time."
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Father Martin at Our Lady & St Bridget's Catholic Church said : "For a small community, this is unusual to hear of such a tragic accident.
“On behalf of our parish, we offer condolences and sympathy and are happy to offer any kind of support to the family. We are a listening ear. If there is just a need to chat, we can offer some consolation."
To the wider community who might be impacted by the passing, Father Martin said: "As a church, we offer weekend prayers. We are happy to help in any way we can."