The Westminster community has been left reeling after the devastating discovery of a mother and her two children in what police are treating as a suspected murder-suicide.
Emily Long, 38, and her children—a four-year-old boy and a seven-month-old girl—were found deceased at their family residence on Tuesday morning. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
A Desperate Plea for Help
The tragedy unfolded after Ms. Long's husband, Alex, raised the alarm upon being unable to contact his family. He urgently contacted a neighbour, who subsequently forced entry into the property, making the horrific discovery.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, but despite their efforts, all three were pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place in the coming days to establish the exact causes of death.
A Community in Mourning
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local neighbourhood. Friends and neighbours have described the family as "lovely and quiet," making the news even more difficult to comprehend.
"It's an absolute tragedy. You just don't expect something like this to happen on your doorstep," one stunned resident was quoted as saying. A heartfelt tribute of flowers has begun to grow outside the home, a sombre testament to the lives lost.
Support in the Aftermath
In the wake of the incident, the Metropolitan Police have emphasised that a formal identification process is still underway. Officers from the Specialist Crime Command have taken over the investigation.
While the case is not being treated as a random act, detectives continue to piece together the final hours leading up to the tragedy. This heartbreaking event underscores the critical importance of mental health support and community vigilance.
