Deaths of mum, 40, and daughter, 8, being investigated as murder-suicide

The deaths of a mum and young daughter are being treated as a murder-suicide, it is understood. Emergency services were initially called for a concern for welfare on Monday, September 23 on South Radford Street, Salford at around 10.30am.

When they arrived at the scene a 40-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl were found dead. Sister publication the Manchester Evening News understands that detectives are predominantly investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.

Investigations remain underway at the scene with forensic officers pictured scouring the house for evidence today. Local sources have also confirmed that the woman and girl were mother and daughter.

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The mum has now been named by friends and neighbours as Martina, with her eight-year-old daughter named as Eleni. Their surnames have not yet been revealed.

Detectives said previously that they are "not actively looking for anyone else" following the deaths. The incident was said to be "contained" with "no wider threat in the community".

This morning, a cordon remained in place outside a home and over a stretch of the road with an officer standing guard outside the house. Touching tributes were placed against a fence outside the same home, including a number of bouquets of flowers. A teddy was also left at the scene.

In a statement issued yesterday, Detective Superintendent Simon Moyles, of GMP's Salford district, said: “A woman and young girl were both tragically found dead and we are working hard as a team to establish what happened here this morning.

“Whilst we are not actively looking for anyone else in relation to this investigation, I understand the news of their deaths and the large police and emergency services presence at the address will most likely cause some concern to residents and those further afield in Greater Manchester. I want to reassure them that we believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider threat in the community.

"A cordon has been put in place and there is a scene is contained on South Radford Street. We continue to thank the public for their patience as we respond in the area.

"We have placed a number of highly visible officers to patrol in and around the area should any residents wish to come and talk to us or pass on any information they may have about this tragic incident. If you have any information, contact us on 101 quoting log 998 of 23/09/2024.”

A Salford City Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of the terribly sad news this morning and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives. We’re working closely with GMP and assisting them with their ongoing investigation and our teams will be supporting both local residents and council staff who have no doubt been greatly affected by the events today."