Tributes for 'bubbly and affectionate' West Lothian girl, six, as she dies with dad

Hope, six-years-old
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


A West Lothian primary school has paid tribute to a six-year-old girl after she was found dead with her dad.

Hope was discovered alongside Mark Gordon, 36, by police on Monday, January 20, at a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder.

Tributes have been paid to the young girl who was a "much-loved" member of Toronto Primary School.

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Headteacher Fiona Linfoot said: "Hope was a much-loved member of the Toronto Primary family, and will be hugely missed by all her friends and school staff.

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"She was a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl who brought joy to everyone she met. We will really miss her infectious smile and kind heart.

"We would ask everyone to respect the privacy of her family and the school community at this difficult time.

"Help and support is available to any of our pupils, or staff, affected by this tragic news."

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick added: “Understandably the local community will be in shock and this shock extends across West Lothian.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family of those affected by this tragic incident.

“Our education officers and school staff are offering the local school community the appropriate support and reassurance at this very difficult time.”

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Detectives have said concerns were raised by a family member after Hope failed to attend school on Monday.

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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.

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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."

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