Three children found at house in Bristol died of knife injuries, police say

Three children, including a baby, who were allegedly murdered at a suburban house in Bristol all died of knife injuries, police have revealed.

Avon and Somerset police said the three children had formally been identified as nine-month-old Mohammed Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and seven-year-old Fares Bash.

A 42-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of their murder remained in hospital.

Ch Insp Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “The loss of such young children, who had their whole lives ahead of them, is truly heartbreaking and our thoughts remain with their family and everyone affected by this tragedy. Our specialist liaison officers will continue to provide their next of kin with any help and support they need.

“Over the past few days, forensic postmortem examinations have been carried out on the children. We can now confirm the cause of death for each child was knife injuries.

“A 42-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of their murder remains in hospital undergoing treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The amount of time we can legally keep a person in custody does not start until they are brought into a police station, so will not include any periods of time spent in hospital.

“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.”

Police went to the family house in the Sea Mills area of Bristol in the early hours of Sunday after they were called by a member of the public. Officers arrived at 12.40am and found three children whose lives could not be saved.

The street is in a quiet neighbourhood about 4 miles north-west of Bristol city centre. A community hall was opened to give local people a place to meet and comfort one another.

A vigil was being held on Friday in memory of the children.