A 42-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three children were discovered dead at a property in Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police responded to a welfare concern call at a house in Blaise Walk, Sea Mills, at approximately 12:40am on Sunday. The children were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect is currently in police custody at a hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified due to prior police contact with the family in February. An IOPC spokesperson stated they have requested further information to assess whether any action is required.
Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing the deaths as heartbreaking. He confirmed that the police believe the incident is isolated and there is no further risk to the wider community. Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen offered condolences to the children's loved ones and assured support through the family liaison unit.
Residents described the arrested woman as 'lovely' but noted she had been struggling after the birth of her youngest child. A neighbour said the family had two boys, aged about eight and six months, and a girl aged about four. A local minicab driver who knew the family said the father was not living at the house and that the mother had seemed unhappy with her husband.
The scene remains cordoned off, with officers conducting door-to-door inquiries. A Methodist church hall has been opened for community support, and a local playgroup has been cancelled. The major crime investigation team is leading the inquiry.
