In a tragic incident in Bristol, UK, three siblings, including a 10-month-old infant, were discovered deceased in their home.
Mohamed Al-Fil Bashh, aged ten months, passed away alongside his older siblings, Fares, aged ten, and Jory, aged seven. A 42-year-old woman is currently detained on suspicion of their murder. The distressing finding was made in the early hours of Sunday, February 18, following a welfare concern reported at a residence on Blaise Walk, Sea Mills, around 12.40 am.
According to reports from Mail Online, the children’s father has previously faced arrest related to domestic violence.
Speaking about the children, neighbour Salwa Bashar said: ‘They were beautiful, happy kids. Always smiling. Fares in particular was very intelligent. He was curious about everything. I used to call him my smart boy. They were part of the Sudanese community, which is shocked at the news alongside the whole of Bristol.’
It comes as a poignant video emerged showing Fares singing and playing a red ukulele as his sister, Jory, dances in a pink fluffy hat. The young girl can also be seen beaming next to a cake.
Avon and Somerset Police said it had notified the Independent Office for Police Conduct about the incident because officers had had previous contact with the household. The IOPC said this contact had taken place earlier this month.
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said of the mother: ‘She was lovely, her kids were lovely, they were nice people. I think she was having a hard time with her newborn.’
The neighbour said that the two eldest children had attended the local Sea Mills primary school. The school announced it would remain closed this morning and reopen at 1.30pm.
A 42-year-old Bristol taxi driver said he had last seen the mother two weeks ago. He said: ‘She was happy. Her kids were all happy.’
The man said the family were part of the Sudanese community in Bristol. He added: ‘She is a very nice person. It is very sad.’
The force has not confirmed the name of the woman or her relationship to the children who were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after officers arrived at around 12.40am on Sunday. The children’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
A heavy police presence remained in the area much of yesterday, with photos showing part of the road cordoned off, with multiple police cars and a forensic team on the scene.
A gathering at a local church was held in memory of the children last night, locals added, while a local playgroup announced it would be closed today.
Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said in an update today: ‘We were first called by a member of the public who was concerned for the welfare of the occupants early on Sunday the 18th of February. Officers arrived at about 12.40am and found three children whose lives could not be saved.
‘Forensic post-mortem examinations will now be carried out on the children to establish the cause of death and it’s important we don’t give further detail on this until the proper processes have been carried out.
