‘KILLER’ COP
Detective, 39, ‘killed son, 3, before killing himself after coming home from holiday’ as cops probe murder-suicide
A POLICE officer is believed to have murdered his young son before taking his own life, his boss has tonight revealed.
David Louden, 39, and three-year-old Harrison were discovered at home in Kidderminster four days ago after cutting short a holiday.
5
5
The cop’s own force West Mercia is now treating the double deaths as a suspected murder-suicide.
Assistant Chief Constable Damian Barratt said in an updated statement: "We, West Mercia Police, are now treating the death of Harrison as a suspected murder and the death of David as a suspected suicide.
"Post mortems have now taken place and the investigation team, in conjunction with the Coroner, are satisfied that no other parties were involved."
He added: "However, safeguarding reviews are now underway and there will be an inquest to provide an official determination, so we are unable to comment any further at this time in relation to the circumstances or the investigation.
"This is a dreadfully sad case and our thoughts are with David and Harrison’s family and friends.
"They have requested that they be allowed to grieve and will not be providing any further comment to the media at this time."
Most read in The Sun
The cop’s distraught colleagues had found the bodies at their house in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, on Friday morning after the alarm was raised following concerns for their welfare.
Worried relatives have asked police to check up on the dad of two after he curtailed his break with wife Samantha and other family members.
Initially, the tragic deaths were "unexplained".
David’s heartbroken wife, also a police officer, previously paid tribute to her "amazing" husband.
In a family statement issued by police, they described him as a "kind, loving, considerate, amazing father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague".
They said little Harrison was a "happy, well-loved little boy," adding: "They will both be forever missed and loved."
This is a dreadfully sad case and our thoughts are with David and Harrison’s family and friends.
Assistant Chief Constable Damian Barrat
A force spokesperson said: ";They expressed their deep shock, grief and devastation at the loss of these two much-loved family members."
Emergency crews had been called to reports of a medical emergency shortly before 9.30am. The officer and his son were found dead at the scene.
Many tributes have been placed by mourners in the family's front garden in Cairndhu Drive including teddy bears and bouquets. One message read: "Both lives are gone too soon."
A neighbour told how the family had been away with another relative but the trip was cut short with the dad and son returning home early.
It must have been awful for her to go into the house where her husband and son were found
Neighbour
One local told how the devastated wife returned to the house on Saturday, saying: "She was there with a family friend and they spent several hours in the house before leaving.
"It must have been awful for her to go into the house where her husband and son were found. I cannot imagine the pain they are going through."
Another neighbour described the officer as "very personable and chatty" and said his and the child’s deaths were “a tragic waste of life.”
She said: "I didn’t know him very well because they only moved in just before Christmas and he was always working different shifts.
"We’d chat when we had time and we’d take parcels in for each other. It’s very sad."
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
David was a sergeant with West Mercia Police and is believed to have met his wife through work.
She is based with West Midlands Police.
Colleagues paid tribute to the officer on social media.
One wrote: "Such a tragic loss to those closest to you, the community you served. Rest easy now with your boy, your duty done.”
Helen Greybanks stated: "SGT it was an honour and a pleasure to work alongside you."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
And Laura Davies said: "Rip Dave and baby Louden. You were so kind and caring. Be missed by all. My love is to you and your family."
5
5
5
Contact the Samaritans
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123.
They are available for free at anytime.
Or email
Topics