Children found dead in Bristol house died from knife injuries, police say

Three young children found dead at a house in Bristol died from knife wounds, a post-mortem has revealed.

Nine-month-old Mohammed Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and Fares Bash, seven, were found by police responding to a welfare call in Sea Mills at 00:40 GMT on Sunday.

A 42-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

She remains in hospital undergoing treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

Ch Insp Vicks Hayward-Melen, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Over the past few days, forensic post-mortem examinations have been carried out on the children.

"We can now confirm the cause of death for each child was knife injuries.

"Our investigation, led by the major crime investigation team, is progressing at pace and we're carrying out comprehensive inquiries to establish the events which led to this devastating loss of life."

The officer added the "loss of such young children, who had their whole lives ahead of them, is truly heart-breaking".

Specialist liaison officers are supporting the family.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which previously said it received a referral from Avon and Somerset Police because of "prior police contact with those involved" said on Friday it would not be investigating.

"This is because the police do not appear to have been the primary agency involved with the family and there was no police contact in the 10 days prior to the deaths," it said.

"We have asked the force to re-refer the matter should any further information come to light during any subsequent multi agency reviews."

A police cordon in place at Blaise Walk has now been lifted.

"There has been a huge outpouring of care and kindness following this incident from the community, local schools and faith leaders," Ch Insp Hayward-Melen said.

"We remain sincerely thankful to those who've provided a safe space for people to gather and mourn.

"Out of the intense sadness, we've seen the community come together in grief."

A large amount of floral tributes and messages have been brought to the police cordons, which have since been moved next to the house.

A community vigil will take place to remember the children later at Sea Mills Square from 19:30 GMT.

Ch Insp Hayward-Melen said local police officers would be attending.

Avon and Somerset Police said there will be a mobile police station in The Square on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 GMT for residents who have further questions.

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