Avon and Somerset Police have identified the three dead children found in the Sea Mills area of Bristol on Sunday as siblings Fares Bash (7), Joury Bash (3) and Mohammed Bash (9 months). Avon and Somerset Police said that although formal identification has not been completed, the dead children are believed to be siblings named Fares Bash, seven, Juri Bash, three, and Mohammed Bash, nine months. The next of kin are receiving ongoing assistance from specialist officials and our condolences to them and to all those affected by this tragedy.
Police said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of the children’s deaths, but results are not expected until the middle or end of this week. A 42-year-old woman, who was arrested at the scene, is now in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. On Sunday morning, a citizen concerned for the welfare of people called police to a home in the Sea Mills area of the city.
The Sudanese community later gathered at Sea Mills United Methodist Church to honor the youth. Visitors came from as far as Newport to see the church, located near the scene of the tragedy. Senior Inspector Vics Hayward-Mellen told reporters that police consider the situation to be isolated and do not pose a threat to the public.
“The death of such young children is a huge shock to the whole community and this incident has had a huge impact on all of us in the police force. We will ensure that everyone involved in the response and subsequent investigation receives any social support they may need. I know people will be interested in getting answers, but the Major Crime Squad is in the very early stages of what will be a very delicate, complex and thorough investigation and it will take time to establish all the facts. We anticipate that we will need to carry out further investigations at the scene for the rest of the week and cordons will be cordoned off while we do so.”
“This tragic incident in Bristol was brought to our attention this afternoon by Avon and Somerset Police who told us they had been in contact with the police earlier this month. “We have requested a paper referral with additional information about the previous contact and once received we will assess it to determine if further action is required of us.”
Sea Mills Primary School has announced that it will be closed on Monday morning and will reopen at 1.30pm. Sea Mills Play Group also said it would not open on Monday.
The playgroup said in a statement: “Due to the tragic events in our community today, the playgroup will be canceled tomorrow morning. Our hearts go out to the family and their friends, neighbours, school friends and the wider community.’