Father and six-year-old daughter found dead in West Calder home named

A father and daughter found dead in a West Lothian home on Monday have been named.

Emergency services were called to Harburn Drive in West Calder at around 4pm after a concerned family member told police that the six-year-old girl did not attend school.

The bodies of Mark Gordon, 36, and his daughter Hope were found within the property. No one else is being looked for in connection with the deaths, detectives said.

Chief superintendent Gregg Banks said the family was “devastated”.

The bodies were found in a home on Harburn Drive Alan Simpson

“That call related to concerns from a family member around a child failing to attend school,” he told STV News.

“This led our officers to conduct enquiries to identify the child’s whereabouts identifying the location on Harburn Drive.”

The deaths are being treated as unexplained, and police said post-mortem examinations will take place this week.

Their relatives have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers, Police Scotland said.

The family were known to police, however, investigators say it was “nothing concerning”.

The force said extensive enquiries are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances. West Lothian council has confirmed that the incident has no connection to the nearby Parkhead Primary School, which remains open.

Hope, six year old girl who died in West Calder

Edinburgh & East

Tribute to ‘bubbly and affectionate’ six-year-old found dead at home with dad

Hope Gordon was discovered dead alongside her dad Mark Gordon at home in West Calder on Monday.

Detective chief inspector Bob Williamson, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the man and girl’s relatives at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

“At this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved and our enquiries are continuing.

“I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with officers.”

There will continue to be a significant police presence in the area while the investigation is ongoing.

This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the local division and the Major Investigation Team.

Chief inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, added: “We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

“This incident is very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.”