Six-year-old girl and man found dead inside West Calder house as Police Scotland launch probe

21 January 2025, 12:59 | Updated: 21 January 2025, 14:34

A 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl have been found dead inside a house in West Lothian.

Police Scotland said officers made the discovery following a report of concern for a person in Harburn Drive, West Calder, at about 4pm on Monday.

The force said the deaths are being treated as "unexplained" and post-mortem examinations will take place in due course.

The man and girl's relatives have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police Scotland said "extensive enquiries" are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr said: "We understand this incident may be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

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

Read more from Sky News:
The missed opportunities to stop Southport killer
Hotel fire at popular ski resort 'kills at least 66 people'

While the house is located near to the village's Parkhead Primary School, the local authority said the girl was not a pupil.

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: "We'd urge anyone with any information to contact Police Scotland to assist with their enquiries.

"Other than its proximity to the reported incident, we have reassured parents and pupils that this incident has no connection to Parkhead Primary School.

"Our school remains open as normal."

(c) Sky News 2025: Six-year-old girl and man found dead inside West Calder house as Police Scotland launch probe