Police officer and child found dead in Kidderminster

The police officer, aged 39, and a three-year-old child were found at an address in Cairndhu Drive, Kidderminster

A serving police officer and a three-year-old child have been found dead, police said.

Officers were called to an address in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, where the man, a 39-year-old West Mercia Police officer, and child were found.

A Hazardous Area Response Team has been sent to the scene, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.

An investigation has been launched into the deaths which, police said, are currently being treated as unexplained.

West Mercia's Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones, said: "It is with great sadness that I share the news that a serving police officer and a three-year-old child have passed away.

"While the circumstances of the deaths are not fully known, this is clearly a tragic incident and our deepest condolences are with family and colleagues."

BBC reporter James Pearson at Cairndhu Drive where the officer and child were found, said on Friday evening two officers remained on guard with suited forensics officers bringing material out of the semi-detached house.

Neighbours spoke of their "shock" at the deaths, with one, who asked not to be named, saying: "I didn't really know the occupants, they kept themselves to themselves.

"They've lived there less than a year, it's a family. The news is just awful."

The ambulance service was called to reports of a medical emergency at the property at 09:21 BST, where the two bodies were discovered.

"Sadly, it quickly became apparent that neither patient could be saved and they were confirmed dead at the scene," a service spokesman said, adding they also sent two ambulances and a paramedic officer to the scene.

The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained

Sarah Cooper, chair of West Mercia Police Federation, said it was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the news.

"The ripples from this incident will be far-reaching and I know that officers and staff across West Mercia Police will be impacted hugely by this tragedy," she said.

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West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added he was "incredibly sad to hear this terrible news,

"My thoughts are with the family affected and West Mercia police officers and staff who are having to come to terms with this awful news," he said.