A six-year-old girl who was found dead alongside a man in a house in West Calder was described as “really sweet” by heartbroken neighbours.
Police were called to a major incident at a property on Harburn Drive at around 4pm on Monday.
The bodies of a 36-year-old man and the girl were found inside.
Their deaths are being treated as unexplained.
Neighbours have been left devastated by the tragedy.
One neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, told the Record: “I saw firefighters trying to get in through the back door yesterday.
“I didn’t want to be nosey so I turned away. But within 30 minutes, police were everywhere.
“I knew something awful had happened.
“The wee girl was a lovely wee thing and very sweet.
“I didn’t know them personally but we’d see them in passing.
“You’d never expect this to happen a stone-throw away from your front door.”
It is understood the family had recently moved into the street.
Another neighbour said: “The family hadn’t lived here for very long.
“It’s awful to hear about something like this happening in your community.
“The death of a child is awful.”Another resident added: “The house was dark and the curtains were closed most of the time.
“I think they wanted to keep themselves to themselves.
“It’s tragic.”
Police said extensive enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the tragedy. Post mortem examinations have yet to take place but relatives are aware.
Pictures taken from the scene on Tuesday morning showed a large forensic tent placed in the garden of a property on the street. Uniformed officers were also seen standing guard at the large cordon.
Earlier we told how firefighters gained entry to a property close to Parkhead Primary School before police cordoned off an area of the street. Residents said police described the incident as “serious” and they were unable to access parts of the scheme after tape was placed around a residential property and garden.
Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: “We understand this incident may be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”
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