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Man and girl found dead were father and daughter

Facebook A man in a blue Rangers home top has his arm around a little girl with blonde hair. They are both smiling for the picture and appear to be standing outside a property.Facebook

A man and a girl found dead at a house in West Lothian were father and daughter, police have confirmed.

The bodies of 36-year-old Mark Gordon and six-year-old Hope were discovered after officers forced entry to the property in Harburn Drive in West Calder on Monday afternoon.

Officers were called to the address following a report by a family member concerned for a child who had failed to attend school.

Fiona Linfoot, head teacher of Toronto Primary School in Livingston, where Hope was a pupil, described her as "a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl".

Ch Supt Gregg Banks said there was no threat to the wider community but inquiries were ongoing.

He said officers were unable to confirm a cause of death.

Post-mortem examinations are due to take place later this week.

Police Scotland Hope looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a luminous green t shirt. She has blonde hair and blue eyes.Police Scotland
Hope was described as a "bright, bubbly and affectionate girl" by teachers at Toronto Primary School in Livingston

Fire crews helped officers gain access to the property.

The family, who are local to West Lothian, are being supported by specialist officers.

Pupils and staff at Hope's primary school have also been offered support.

In a statement, Ms 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.

"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."

Ch Supt Gregg Banks looking right at the camera. He has short, dark hair and is wearing a black top. He is standing in front of a blurred background of trees and grass.
Ch Supt Gregg Banks said the investigation was at an early stage

Ch Supt Banks said a "significant" police presence would remain in the village until early next week.

He added: "The investigation remains at an early stage. We have a scene which we are examining, that will take some time.

"Equally the family needs answers and the community needs answers, so we'll do that as diligently as we can over the next few days.

"There is nothing at this time that suggests there is any other wider risk to the community."

Floral tributes propped against a fence. Police officers can be seen in the background.
A number of floral tributes have been left at the scene

Det Supt Grant Hendry said Police Scotland's major investigation team were leading inquiries.

He said the first local officers to respond had a "traumatic experience".

Det Supt Hendry added: "We are continuing to support family members of the man and the child.

"Inquiries are at a very early stage and post-mortem examinations will take place in due course."

PA Media A police cordon at the scene in Harburn Drive, West Calder. An officer wearing a hi-viz jacket can be seen in the garden. The house is grey with a white door. In the foreground, there is white and blue police tape.PA Media
Police discovered the bodies of the father and daughter after forcing their way into a home in Harburn Drive, West Calder on Monday

Lawrence Fitzpatrick, leader of West Lothian Council, said: "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."

He added: "Our education officers and school staff are offering the local school community the appropriate support and reassurance at this very difficult time."