Hope Gordon, a 6-year-old school girl from West Calder, Scotland, and her father, Mark Gordon, 36, were found dead in their family home.
Police went to check on the girl after she failed to attend school on Monday, January 20.
”Police Scotland responded to what we class as a ‘concern for’ call on Monday January 20,” Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks said. ”That call related to concern from a family member around their child failing to attend school.”
Gordon and Hope’s mother shared custody. However, according to authorities, the girl was staying with her dad for some time.
Officials stated there was no evidence at the time to suggest third-party involvement.
Following a post-mortem investigation, Police Scotland said the tragic incident is being treated as a suspected murder-suicide, as per The Sun.
Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Hope’s family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy.
“The families are understandably devastated and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.
“Our team of officers continue to carry out enquiries to get answers for the families and at this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved.
DCI Williamson asked from the public to help with the ongoing investigation.
“I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with officers.”
Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks said the shock withing the community is understandable. However, there is no wider risk for the public since the tragedy is an isolated incident.
“We are working tirelessly to understand what happened within the property and answer questions from devastated family members.”
Hope was a student at Toronto Primary School in Livingston.
Fiona Linfoot, a head teacher, said Hope was “a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl.”
“Hope was a much-loved member of the Toronto Primary family. She will be hugely missed by all her friends and school staff.”
“We will really miss her infectious smile and kind heart.”
Our thoughts and prayers go to the grieving family.