Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman died and a child was found with severe injuries.
Officers were called to an address in Ashford following concerns for safety at around 1.15pm on Thursday. They discovered a woman in her 20s and a toddler with serious injuries.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but despite their best efforts, the woman was pronounced dead. The child, a two-year-old girl, was taken to hospital for treatment. Officers confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. It has been reported that the victims were known to each other.
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People were asked to “avoid the area” on Thursday afternoon. The force believe the incident is isolated. Senior Investigating Officer DCI Kimball Edey said: “This investigation is in its early stages and a team of specialist officers are working around the clock to gather as much information as possible. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims at this unbelievably difficult time.”
One local resident, who lives on the same street as the flat block where the woman and child lived on the third floor, described the building as “trouble”. She said: “It’s really sad but this building has been trouble for years. There are a lot of drugs. I’ve heard of violence happening before. And lots of people who live there are those who don’t have anywhere else to go. I feel awful for that poor woman.”
Other residents described the moment emergency services arrived at the scene. One woman, who only moved to the area earlier this week, said: “I just looked out my window and there were about seven police cars and three ambulances. Your heart just sinks. Now I’m hearing things about this building and it’s making me feel unsafe. I only just moved here.”
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting reference number PR/45250005886.
The Mirror has contacted Hounslow Council and Spelthorne Council for comment.
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