First picture of West Calder dad and daughter found dead in family home
A dad and daughter who were found dead in a house in West Calder have been named.
Mark Gordon, 36, and Hope, 6, were discovered within a property on the West Lothian’s town’s Harburn Drive on Monday.
Police and fire crews attended the property after receiving reports of concern for a person. It is understood the alarm was raised after Hope didn't show up at school.
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Their deaths are being treated as unexplained. A post mortem is due to take place.
A team of officers from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, plus the local division, are involved in the investigation. Enquiries remain ongoing but detectives said there is nothing to suggest anyone else has been involved.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob 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."
A heavy police presence could be seen in the area on Wednesday morning with a large cordon in place.
A forensics tent pitched in the garden of the family home earlier this week also remained erected at the scene.
Yesterday neighbours told the Record they have been left devastated by the tragedy.
One neighbour, who didn't want to be named, told the Record: "I saw firefighters trying to get in through the back door yesterday.
“I didn’t want to be nosey so I turned away. But within 30 minutes, police were everywhere.
"I knew something awful had happened.
“The wee girl was a lovely wee thing and very sweet.
“I didn’t know them personally but we’d see them in passing.
“You’d never expect this to happen a stone-throw away from your front door.”
It is understood the family had recently moved into the street.
Another neighbour said: "The family hadn’t lived here for very long.
“It’s awful to hear about something like this happening in your community.
“The death of a child is awful."Another resident added: "The house was dark and the curtains were closed most of the time.
“I think they wanted to keep themselves to themselves.
“It’s tragic."
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."
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