Three children found at house in Bristol died of knife injuries, police say

Three children, including a baby, who were allegedly murdered at a house in Bristol all died of knife injuries, police have said.

Avon and Somerset police said the siblings had formally been identified as Mohammed Bash, aged nine months, Joury Bash, three, and Fares Bash, seven.

A 42-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of their murder remained in hospital.

Ch Insp Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “The loss of such young children, who had their whole lives ahead of them, is truly heartbreaking and our thoughts remain with their family and everyone affected by this tragedy. Our specialist liaison officers will continue to provide their next of kin with any help and support they need.

“Over the past few days, forensic postmortem examinations have been carried out on the children. We can now confirm the cause of death for each child was knife injuries.

“A 42-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of their murder remains in hospital undergoing treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The amount of time we can legally keep a person in custody does not start until they are brought into a police station, so will not include any periods of time spent in hospital.”

She said the investigation to establish the events leading up to the deaths was continuing.

Police went to the family house in the Sea Mills area of Bristol in the early hours of Sunday after being called by a member of the public. Officers arrived at 12.40am and found three children whose lives could not be saved.

The street is in a quiet neighbourhood about 4 miles north-west of Bristol city centre. A community hall was opened to give local people a place to meet and comfort one another.

A vigil was held on Friday in memory of the children.

Avon and Somerset police had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over prior contact, but the watchdog said no investigation was required.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Following the tragic events which took place in the Sea Mills area of Bristol last weekend, we received a referral from Avon and Somerset police on Tuesday due to prior police contact with those involved over a period of time, the most recent being earlier this month.

“We have now thoroughly assessed all the available information and we have returned the referral to Avon and Somerset with no requirement for an investigation.

“This is because the police do not appear to have been the primary agency involved with the family and there was no police contact in the 10 days prior to the deaths. We have asked the force to re-refer the matter should any further information come to light during any subsequent multi agency reviews.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by this terrible incident.”