Bodies of a man and child found at West Calder home
Police are currently treating the deaths as unexplained
Last updated 21st Jan 2025
The bodies of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl have been found at a home in West Calder.
Police made the discovery on Monday afternoon following a report of concern for a person on Harburn Drive.
The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.
Their relatives are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
A police presence will remain in the area while officers carry out investigations.
Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, 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."
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
The fire service also went to the scene on Monday to support emergency service partners.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the scene and crews gained entry to a dwelling house.
"Crews left the scene at 5.03pm."
MP for the area Gregor Poynton said he was "sorry to learn about the tragic deaths in West Calder".
Adding that his "thoughts are with all those affected", the Livingston MP added he had spoken to Police Scotland about the situation, and the force would have an "increased presence" in the area.
A resident in one of the nearby properties, who wished to remain anonymous, described the news as "frightening".
"It's frightening. You don't know what's what's happened," she said.
"I got the shock of my life when I came out this morning. That's first time I knew about it."
She explained she had seen the police cordon around the property, before seeing the news on television.
The resident added: "It's very, very confusing because you don't know what's happened.
"I mean, there's a lot of stories. But what do you do about stories? Do you just listen to them?
"But nobody knows, that I know of anyway."
Rayo Premium