Authorities have released the identities of two young siblings—Meraj Ul Zahra, just two years old, and her brother Abdul Momin Alfaateh, aged three—who were discovered lifeless with visible injuries at a residence on Corporation Street early Sunday morning, according to Staffordshire Police.
The Children Have Been Identified
Staffordshire Police have confirmed the names of two small children who lost their lives in a devastating incident at a Stafford home. Emergency responders found Meraj Ul Zahra, two, and Abdul Momin Alfaateh, three, unresponsive and bearing injuries when they arrived at the Corporation Street address on Sunday morning.
Tragically, both youngsters were pronounced dead at the scene. Family members have been informed of the deaths and are now being looked after by specially trained family liaison officers.
A 43-year-old woman from the Stafford area, arrested on Sunday on suspicion of double murder, continues to be held in police custody while the investigation moves forward, according to Wales Online.
Police have maintained a presence on Corporation Street, with cordons still in place. Following standard protocol for cases involving prior police contact, the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Staffordshire Police confirmed.
An IOPC spokesman said: “We were notified by Staffordshire Police of the death of two children in Stafford on Sunday 12 October where there was recent police contact prior to their death. 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.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances along with two paramedic officers to the scene.
A service spokesman explained: “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 on the street, noticed a forensics vehicle and patrol car parked outside the property as he left for work Sunday morning. The 61-year-old, who runs a bookshop, expressed his shock: “It’s very sad. Children dying is a horror. It’s quite painful to hear it.”
Police are appealing for anyone with relevant information to come forward by calling 101 or using the live chat service on the police website, citing incident number 147 of October 12.
Those wishing to share information anonymously can reach Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.