Police confirm three young siblings found dead at a home in Bristol suffered fatal knife wounds

Three young children killed in Bristol suffered fatal knife wounds, police confirmed today.

Seven-year-old Fares Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and nine-month-old Mohammed Bash were all found dead at their home in Sea Mills in Bristol in the early hours of last Sunday morning (18/2).

A woman, 42, remains in hospital after being arrested over the three murders with injuries that are described as not life-threatening.

And while the community in Bristol struggles to come to terms with the tragedy, Chief Insp Vicks Hayward-Melen gave an update on the police investigation this afternoon. (Fri)

She confirmed formal identification had now been carried out - and the tragic trio had all died as a result of stab wounds.

She said: "Earlier today, the children’s next of kin completed a formal identification process, and we can confirm the children as seven-year-old Fares Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and nine-month-old Mohammed Bash. They were all siblings.

“The loss of such young children, who had their whole lives ahead of them, is truly heartbreaking and our thoughts remain with their family and everyone affected by this tragedy. Our specialist liaison officers will continue to provide their next of kin with any help and support they need.

“Over the past few days, forensic post-mortem examinations have been carried out on the children. We can now confirm the cause of death for each child was knife injuries.

“A 42-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of their murder remains in hospital undergoing treatment for non life-threatening injuries. The amount of time we can legally keep a person in custody does not start until they are brought into a police station, so will not include any periods of time spent in hospital."

The chief inspector said the investigation, led by the Major Crime Investigation Team, was progressing at pace with "comprehensive enquiries to establish the events which led to this devastating loss of life."

She added: “The main cordons put in place in Blaise Walk have been lifted and we would like to take this opportunity to thank local residents for their patience and support while we carried out a thorough investigation at the scene.

“There’s been a huge outpouring of care and kindness following this incident – from the community, local schools, as well as from faith leaders. We remain sincerely thankful to those who’ve provided a safe place for people to gather and mourn.

“Out of the intense sadness we’ve seen the community come together in grief and this is evidenced by the large amount of floral tributes and messages brought to the cordons, which officers from our Neighbourhood Policing team have been placing outside the door.

“Our work to reassure and support the community will continue and neighbourhood officers will be in attendance at a vigil due to be held later today. We will also have a mobile police station in The Square, Sea Mills, this Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 2pm, so please do keep stopping by to talk to us.

“We’ll provide any further updates when we’re able to. Thank you.”

Police have also previously confirmed they had 'prior contact' with the family just last month and have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.