A woman, 49, is fighting for her life in hospital under police watch after a nine-year-old girl died at a Cotswolds village home.
Police were called to the house in Islip, Oxfordshire, at around 11.15am on Tuesday to reports three children had been assaulted.
The schoolgirl was tragically pronounced dead at the scene on Middle Street – while the other two children, a boy and a girl, were treated in hospital and later discharged.
The cause of her death remains unknown, despite a post-mortem examination.
The woman, from Oxfordshire, has now been taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition, where she is currently under the guard of Thames Valley Police officers.
The force is not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.
Detectives have now left the scene but officers will remain in the area over the weekend and anyone with information or concerns is encouraged to speak to them.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: ‘At around 11.15am on Tuesday (21/10), officers were called to a property in Middle Street following reports that three children had been assaulted.
Police were called to the house (pictured) in Islip, Oxfordshire, at around 11.15am on Tuesday to reports three children had been assaulted
‘Tragically, a nine-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
‘Two other children, a boy and a girl, were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.
‘A post-mortem examination has been carried out, but the cause of death remains unascertained pending further investigation.
‘The girl’s family is being supported by specially trained family liaison officers and has requested privacy at this difficult time.’
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Amy Fox said: ‘First and foremost, our deepest sympathies are with the child’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.
‘This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we are doing everything we can to support those affected.
‘A 49-year-old woman from Oxfordshire was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition and is currently under police bed watch.
‘We are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this incident.
‘The scene has now concluded at the property, but officers will continue to be present in the area over the weekend, and we encourage anyone with concerns or information to speak with them.
‘This remains a highly sensitive and complex investigation.
‘I want to sincerely thank the community for their understanding and patience as we work to uncover the full circumstances.’
The girl who lost her life is said to have lived with her mother and sibling in the picturesque village, according to neighbours.
One resident, who has lived in the ‘close-knit’ community for 25 years, said the family was renting the property at the time of the tragedy.
They described them as a ‘busy young family’ consisting of a mother and her two children.
The woman said: ‘It’s terribly sad – I can’t imagine what on earth must have happened. It was terrible for the neighbours who knew them very well.
‘They were a busy young family always working and I don’t think they’ve been here for even a year. It was a mother and two children as long as I knew.’
The local added: ‘This is something that never happens in this village. Very shocking a sad and totally out of the blue.’
Local councillors Gemma Coton, Alisa Russell and Julian Nedelcu shared a joint statement in which they said they would do ‘all we can to offer support’.
‘This is heartbreaking news for the residents of the village, and our thoughts go out to those affected by this tragedy,’ they said.
County councillor Laura Gordon echoed the comments of her fellow Liberal Democrats.
‘I will be keeping the family,’ she said, ‘and all those affected in my thoughts and offering any support needed to the community’.
The chair of the parish council, Dennis Price, said he saw multiple police cars, as well as an ambulance and van.
Of the impacted family, he said: ‘I think they have only been there a short time.
‘We are a very peaceful community, and we do not expect this sort of thing.
‘The only time we saw as many official vehicles was when J.D. Vance [US Vice President] came through.’
Residents on Middle Street were shocked about the investigation, saying nothing like this had ever happened in the village, known as the birthplace of Anglo-Saxon King Edward the Confessor.
One woman, who lives across the street from where the tragedy happened, said this is the first time something this scale has taken place in the village she’s been living in for more than 50 years.
The woman said she knew nothing about the case and doesn’t know who the people involved are.
‘All I saw were many police cars on the day and the police came here to reassure me everything was ok,’ she said.
‘I heard nothing and was surprised about what’s happening.’
This is a breaking story – further updates to follow.
