Deaths of man, 36, and young girl ‘unexplained’, say police

The deaths of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl whose bodies were found at a property in West Lothian are being treated as “unexplained” by police.

Officers found the bodies at a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder, after they were called to a report of concern for a person at about 4pm on Monday January 20.

Officers said their relatives are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police said extensive inquiries are under way to establish the full circumstances.

“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”

The fire service also went to the scene on Monday to support emergency service partners.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the scene and crews gained entry to a dwelling house.

“Crews left the scene at 5.03pm.”

A resident in one of the nearby properties, who wished to remain anonymous, described the news as “frightening”.

“It’s frightening. You don’t know what’s what’s happened,” she said.

“I got the shock of my life when I came out this morning. That’s first time I knew about it.”

She explained she had seen the police cordon around the property, before seeing the news on television.

The resident added: “It’s very, very confusing because you don’t know what’s happened.

“I mean, there’s a lot of stories. But what do you do about stories? Do you just listen to them?

“But nobody knows, that I know of anyway.”

MP for the area Gregor Poynton said he was “sorry to learn about the tragic deaths in West Calder”.

Adding that his “thoughts are with all those affected”, the Livingston MP added he had spoken to Police Scotland about the situation, and the force would have an “increased presence” in the area.