Stoke ‘murder’: Tributes pour in for girl, 7, & boy, 11, found dead with ‘significant injuries’ as woman, 49, arrested

TRIBUTES have poured in for a "caring" schoolgirl and a boy who were found dead at a home.

Ethan John, 11, and Elizabeth John, seven, were both tragically discovered unresponsive and with significant injuries inside a property Flax Street, Stoke-on-Trent.

Emergency services rushed to the scene around 2pm on Sunday to find their bodies.

A 49-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Cops say she remains in custody where she continues to be questioned by officers.

Ethan and Elizabeth’s schools have now paid tribute to them.

Ethan’s school said: “Ethan was a wonderful member of our school community.

"He had impeccable manners and an infectious smile. 

"He will be hugely missed by the staff and pupils alike and will forever be part of our hearts.

In a tribute to Elizabeth, her school said: “Elizabeth was a kind, caring and friendly member of our school family.

"She was a ray of sunshine who always had a smile on her face. She was everyone's friend - she was both bright and popular.

"The loss of Elizabeth is truly devastating for us all and her absence will leave a huge hole within our school community."

The discovery came after police rushed to a car wash on Campbell Road.

A man in his 40s had been stabbed following reports of an assault involving a man and a woman.

The victim was taken to hospital but his injuries were not life-threatening and he has since been released.

Officers then went to the home on Flax Street and arrested the woman in connection with the stabbing.

They then found the children unresponsive and further arrested her on suspicion of murder.

Cops confirmed the woman was known to the children.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan said: “I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering felt by the family and friends of these two children at this time.

“Specially-trained officers are continuing to support those closest to the children whilst we find out more about what happened yesterday afternoon.

“I’d like to thank those who have already come forward with information and to the local community who have been respecting the cordon in place on Flax Street.

“We are solely focused on finding out what happened to these two children and supporting those affected by this deeply traumatic incident.

Staffordshire Police said: "Anyone with any information which could help with our investigation are asked to get in touch as soon as possible.

"We are particularly interested in any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area of Flax Street and Campbell Road between 1.30pm and 2.30pm yesterday, or those who were in the area at the time."

Anyone with information can contact the force on their website .

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.