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12th June 2023
12:44pm BST
A seven-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy died in a suspected double murder in Stoke-on-Trent.
Police were called to a car wash on Campbell Road just after 2pm on Sunday following reports of an assault involving a man and a woman.
A man in his 40s was taken to hospital by paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service, but has since been released.
Officers then went to a home on Flax Street and found two people unresponsive and injured inside.
On Monday, the force confirmed the victims were two children.
A 49-year-old woman from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
The children's next kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers at this tragic time.
A voluntary referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent police contact.
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan said: "Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the children. I cannot image the pain and shock they are feeling. ‘We also understand the concern felt locally around this incident and the speculation around what has happened."
Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison, of Staffordshire Police, said: "This is a tragic case and we are working hard to understand more about what happened leading up to these two people losing their lives.
"We ask that people do not speculate on the circumstances at this stage as it is distressing for family and friends, and could hinder our enquiries.
"We understand that this incident may cause concern in the local community and further afield. We know that the woman arrested is related to the people and we don't believe there is wider threat to the public at this time."
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