'DEVASTATING'
Bristol murder: Police watchdog probes ‘prior contact’ after 3 kids found dead in Blaise Walk – as woman, 42, arrested
Neighbours have told how 'shocked' they are after believing the suspect was 'lovely'
THE police watchdog is probing "prior contact" after three kids were found dead at a home in Bristol - as a woman is arrested on suspicion of murder.
The tragic discovery was made at a property in Blaise Walk, Sea Mills, around 12.40am after Avon and Somerset attended a concern for welfare call.
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The trio of youngsters were sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time after cops arrived.
Their cause of death is yet to be confirmed - as cops launch an urgent investigation into the "heartbreaking" incident.
The woman, 42, said locally to be a Sudanese national known only as Jasmine, was today arrested.
She remains in police custody at a hospital.
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Neighbours believed the children to be a boy, aged around eight, a girl, thought to be four years old, and a baby boy of around six months.
Cops confirmed on Sunday that they have notified the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior police contact this month.
An IOPC spokesman said: “We were notified this afternoon about this tragic incident in Bristol by Avon and Somerset Police, who advised us that there had been prior police contact earlier this month.
“We have requested a paper referral with further information about the prior contact and once received, we will assess it to determine whether further action is required from us.”
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The suspect's husband, also believed to be Sudanese, lived with the family, according to a nearby resident.
It is not known if he was in the property at the time.
This is an incredibly tragic and heartbreaking incident
Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen
Police have not confirmed the name of the woman, the ages of the children or their relationship to her as of yet.
One woman who wished to remain anonymous said all residents are "shocked" after believing the suspect was "lovely".
She said: “She was so happy when she had that little boy.
“We were so happy for her, we came round and gave gifts. I’m very surprised because she was really gentle, really lovely.
“She always had a smile on her face."
Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “This is an incredibly tragic and heartbreaking incident in which three children have sadly died.
“My sincere condolences go to the children’s loved ones and we will be ensuring they are offered support through our family liaison unit.
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“We believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the wider community, however officers will remain at the scene to provide reassurance to anyone who has any questions or concerns.
“Over the coming days, residents can expect to see an increased police presence and we thank them for their cooperation during this time.”
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