Man and girl found dead in West Calder were father and daughter


A 36-year-old man and his six-year-old daughter have been found dead in a house in Harburn Drive, West Calder. Police said that Mark Gordon and his daughter Hope were discovered after officers forced entry to the property on Monday afternoon. The police were called to the address following a report by a family member who was concerned about a child who had failed to attend school. Fire crews assisted officers to gain access to the home.

Ch Supt Gregg Banks said the family, who are local to West Lothian, were being supported by specialist officers and that there was no threat to the wider community but inquiries were ongoing. He said officers were unable to confirm a cause of death, and post-mortem examinations were due to take place later in the week. He added that a “significant” police presence would remain in the village until early next week.

Police Scotland’s major investigation team is leading the inquiries. Det Supt Grant Hendry said the first local officers to respond had a “traumatic experience” and that the authorities were continuing to support family members of the man and the child.

The investigation remains at an early stage with the police examining the scene for clues and awaiting post-mortem reports. There is nothing to suggest at this time that there is any other wider risk to the community, according to Ch Supt Banks. However, both the family and the community need answers, and the authorities will do their work as diligently as possible

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More