Two children who died in a murder investigation in Stafford have been named by police. Meraj Ul Zahra, aged two, and Abdul Momin Alfaateh, three, were found unresponsive with injuries inside a home in Corporation Street on Sunday morning.
Both children died at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A 43-year-old woman from the Stafford area was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday. She remains in custody while inquiries continue.
Investigation continues
A police cordon also remains in place in Corporation Street. The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is routine following earlier police contact.
An IOPC spokesperson said they were notified by Staffordshire Police about the deaths where there was recent police contact prior to the children's deaths. "We understand a referral is being made by the force, which once received, we will assess before deciding whether further action may be required by us," the spokesperson said.
Emergency response
Two ambulances and two paramedic officers were sent to the scene, according to West Midlands Ambulance Service. A spokesman said: "On arrival of ambulance staff we discovered two patients, both children. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed dead at the scene."
Luke Browne, who lives in the street, said he saw a forensics van and a police car parked up as he left for work on Sunday morning. The 61-year-old book shop owner said: "It's very sad. Children dying is a horror. It's quite painful to hear it."
Appeal for information
Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, or through the live chat facility on the police website, quoting incident number 147 of October 12. To report information anonymously, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
Sources used: "Staffordshire Police", "Independent Office for Police Conduct", "West Midlands Ambulance Service"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
