The bodies of a man and six-year-old girl have been discovered by emergency services in a house near Edinburgh.
Fire crews broke down the door of the property on Harburn Drive in West Calder after being called for support at around 4.05pm on Monday. There, they found the bodies of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl. Police say the deaths are being treated as “unexplained” and mortem examinations will take place in due course.
An investigation has been launched in light of the horror discovery, with officers urging locals to come and speak to them. Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: “We understand this incident may be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.” The relatives of the deceased have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers, the force added.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 4.05pm on Monday, 21 January, to support emergency service partners on Harburn Drive, West Calder. Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the scene and crews gained entry to a dwelling house. Crews left the scene at 5.03pm.”
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
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