Tragedy as West Lothian police find bodies of girl, six, and man inside property

Lee Dalgetty

21 January 2025 at 8:14 am·2-min read

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited

The bodies of a man and child were found by emergency services on Monday afternoon with a residential street locked down by officers.

Residents on Harburn Drive in West Calder were unable to access parts of the scheme. Fire crews broke down the door of a property, after being called for support at around 4.05pm.

Images from the scene show areas of the street taped off, with emergency services vehicles parked up.

Police arrived at the scene following a report of concern for a person and around 4pm on Monday officers found the bodies of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl within a property.

The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.

Their relatives are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: "We understand this incident may be 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."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 4.05pm on Monday, 21 January, to support emergency service partners on Harburn Drive, West Calder.

"Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the scene and crews gained entry to a dwelling house. Crews left the scene at 5.03pm."

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