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 amid reports three children had been assaulted.
The schoolgirl was tragically pronounced dead at the scene – while the other two children, a boy and a girl, were treated in hospital and later discharged.
The cause of the youngster’s death remains unknown, despite a post-mortem examination.
The woman, from Oxfordshire, was 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.
Police were called to a 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 – while the other two children, a boy and a girl, were treated in hospital and later discharged. (Pictured: Police and forensics at the scene on Wednesday)
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 (Pictured: A forensic officer at the property yesterday)
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: ‘At around 11.15am on Tuesday (October 21), officers were called to a property following reports that 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.’
Residents 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.
The girl who lost her life is said to have lived with her mother and sibling in the area, according to neighbours.
One resident, who has lived in the ‘close-knit’ community for 25 years, described them as a ‘busy young family, always working’.
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.’
The local added: ‘This is something that never happens in this village. Very shocking and sad and totally out of the blue.’
Police vehicles and a forensic officer pictured at the scene in Islip, Oxfordshire, on October 23
The cause of her death remains unknown, despite a post-mortem examination (Pictured: Police and forensics at the scene on Wednesday)
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 does not 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.’
A tribute at the local church reads: ‘Our prayers are with all those involved or affected by the tragedy.
‘And a reminder that the church is open all day for anyone who might wish to pause to reflect/seek solace/pray with others in the community.’