Mother's 'world has ended' after six-year-old daughter found dead with father - as police launch murder probe

25 January 2025, 08:51

Police launch murder probe after body of girl, 6, found in house with dead father
Police launch murder probe after body of girl, 6, found in house with dead father. Picture: Alamy

By Henry Moore

The mother of a six-year-old girl whose body was discovered alongside her father is said to be “broken” at the loss of her “happy and smiley” daughter.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The bodies of Hope Gordon and her father Mark, 36, were found at an address in West Lothian, Scotland, on Monday, with police treating the incident as murder.

Police were called to Harburn Drive, West Calder, on Monday afternoon after the youngster failed to attend Toronto Primary School.

Her death is now being treated as murder following a post-mortem investigation, Police in Scotland have confirmed.

Mr Gordon's death is still being treated as unexplained pending the outcome of a post-mortem examination, which will take place in due course.

Read more: Reform MPs call for death penalty debate and CPS chief to be sacked after Southport killer jailed for 52 years

The bodies of Hope Gordon and her father Mark, 36, were found at an address in West Lothian, Scotland, on Monday, with police treating the incident as murder.
The bodies of Hope Gordon and her father Mark, 36, were found at an address in West Lothian, Scotland, on Monday, with police treating the incident as murder. Picture: Handout

A close friend of Hope Gordon’s mother, Margaret, has said she is “broken” at the loss of her daughter.

“It is the worst time of her life,' the pal told the MailOnlne.

“She's just really sad. Her world has ended because of this.”

She added: “She was so loved and didn't deserve any of this. She was really well liked by everybody.

“She was out playing and building snowmen just two weeks ago, just a normal little kid, who didn't deserve this.

“There was no indication that anything was wrong. It came completely out of the blue. We are all just really shocked,” Melanie added.

The bodies of Hope Gordon and her father Mark, 36, were found at an address in West Lothian, Scotland, on Monday, with police treating the incident as murder.
The bodies of Hope Gordon and her father Mark, 36, were found at an address in West Lothian, Scotland, on Monday, with police treating the incident as murder. Picture: Linkedin

“Hope's life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be filled,” she said.

No other individuals are being sought by police.

At a press conference on Wednesday, police said they had found nothing to suggest anyone else was involved in the two deaths.

It is understood officers are continuing to make enquiries locally.

Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry, of the Major Investigation Team, said: "Our thoughts remain with Hope's family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy.

"The families are understandably devastated and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.

Police at the scene after police found the bodies of a 36-year-old father and his six-year-old daughter at a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder, West Lothian, on Monday afternoon. Picture date: Wednesday January 22, 2025.
Police at the scene after police found the bodies of a 36-year-old father and his six-year-old daughter at a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder, West Lothian, on Monday afternoon. Picture date: Wednesday January 22, 2025. Picture: Alamy
Flowers left at the scene after police found the bodies of a 36-year-old father and his six-year-old daughter at a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder, West Lothian, on Monday afternoon. Picture date: Wednesday January 22, 2025.
Flowers left at the scene after police found the bodies of a 36-year-old father and his six-year-old daughter at a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder, West Lothian, on Monday afternoon. Picture date: Wednesday January 22, 2025. Picture: Alamy

"Our team of officers continue to carry out enquiries to get answers for the families and at this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved.

"I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with the police."

Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks, Divisional Commander, said: "This is a shocking and deeply upsetting incident for the families involved, and the impact is felt right across the local community.

"I am grateful for the support received as we methodically complete essential enquires within the house in West Calder to ensure the families and local residents get the answers they deserve, and would ask that the family's privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.

"There will continue to be a visible policing presence in the area and I would urge anyone with questions, concerns or information to approach a local officer - they are there to help."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The NTSB recovers the debris of a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk involved in a mid-air collision near DCA in Arlington, VA.

All major parts of DC plane and Black Hawk helicopter involved in mid-air collision recovered, investigators confirm

A Thai hostage who was freed from Hamas, Pongsak Thaenna, hugs a relative upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport

'We never gave up hope': Freed Thai hostages in tears of joy as they reunite with families after more than a year

Harry and Meghan at the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games.

Meghan and Prince Harry cheer on Team UK at Invictus Games opening ceremony

Daisy the Labrador.

Stolen dog reunited with family after seven years

Irish boxer John Cooney.

Boxer dies from a brain bleed, from injury during championship fight

'Make Europe Great Again' Rally In Madrid

'Make Europe Great Again': Far-right European political leaders praise Trump at Madrid meeting

Kanye West.

Rapper Kanye West advertises t-shirt featuring a Nazi swastika, after 'antisemitic rampage' on X

Andrew Gwynne.

Minister sacked after posting he hoped 'pensioner who didn’t vote Labour would die' in WhatsApp group

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road.

Two arrested as protesters clash with police outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

'She's terrible': Trump takes swipe at Meghan, but will not deport Prince Harry

Freed Palestinian prisoners are greeted by a crowd as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

Emotional scenes in West Bank and Gaza as Palestinians reunited with their families after release from Israeli prisons

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King.

'She was grateful for life': parents of Southport stabbing victims pay tribute to their children

Israeli hostage reunited with his family.

Emotional moment Israeli hostages reunite with families after being paraded on stage by Hamas

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road at the rally.

Protesters clash with police as thousands rally outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

The father of the Huszti sisters has said he believes his daughters were "kidnapped" and "cruelly killed"

Heartbroken father of sisters found dead in River Dee believes they were 'lured to their death'

Hollyoaks star and country singer thought to be son of British couple shot dead in French villa ‘by UK gangsters’

Hollyoaks star breaks silence over death of mum found dead in French villa with her husband