Extensive enquiries are ongoing into the deaths of a 36-year-old dad and his six-year-old daughter in West Calder.
Mark Gordon, 36, and Hope, 6, were discovered within a property on the West Lothian’s town’s Harburn Drive on Monday.
The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.
A team of officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, plus the local division, are involved in the investigation.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and at this time, there is nothing to suggest anyone else has been involved.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the man and girl’s relatives at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.
“At this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved and our enquiries are continuing.
“I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with officers.”
There will continue to be a significant police presence in the area while the investigation is ongoing.
This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the local division and the Major Investigation Team.
Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: “We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
“This incident is 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.”
Local residents have been left understandably shaken by the events.
Marlyn Williamson has lived in the area for 50 years.
She said: “It happened so close to home and I think it’ll always be something which sticks with us in the future, it won’t go away and there will always be a community trauma.
“My mum was beside herself last night, when she walked up the stairs to go to bed she was tapping the pictures of our family on the wall.
“As a whole community we are shocked, there are a lot of young families and there are a lot of them who must have had to pass all those police and the cordon.”
Meanwhile, West Lothian Council school chiefs have moved to reassure parents and pupils the tragic death of the six-year-old girl is not connected to the nearby Parkhead Primary School.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We’d urge anyone with any information to contact Police Scotland to assist with their enquiries.
“Other than its proximity to the reported incident, we have reassured parents and pupils that this incident has no connection to Parkhead Primary School. Our school remains open as normal.”
East Calder councillor Damian Doran-Timson told Edinburgh Live: “It is awful news to hear of this. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this time.”
Father Martin at Our Lady & St Bridget’s Catholic Church said: “For a small community, this is unusual to hear of such a tragic accident.
“On behalf of our parish, we offer condolences and sympathy and are happy to offer any kind of support to the family. We are a listening ear. If there is just a need to chat, we can offer some consolation.”
To the wider community who might be impacted by the passing, Father Martin said: “As a church, we offer weekend prayers. We are happy to help in any way we can.”
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