Man and child found dead at West Calder home were father and daughter
The deaths are being treated unexplained as police continue to investigate
Last updated 22nd Jan 2025
A six-year-old girl and man, 36, found dead at a home in West Calder were father and daughter.
The bodies of Mark Gordon and Hope were discovered on Harburn Drive on Monday afternoon.
Officers carried out a welfare check after the six-year-old girl didn't turn up for school.
The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.
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.
Toronto Primary School Headteacher Fiona Linfoot said: "Hope was a much-loved member of the Toronto Primary family, and will be hugely missed by all her friends and school staff.
"She was a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl who brought joy to everyone she met. We will really miss her infectious smile and kind heart.
"We would ask everyone to respect the privacy of her family and the school community at this difficult time.
"Help and support is available to any of our pupils, or staff, affected by this tragic news."
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick added: “Understandably the local community will be in shock and this shock extends across West Lothian.
"Our deepest sympathies are with the family of those affected by this tragic incident.
“Our education officers and school staff are offering the local school community the appropriate support and reassurance at this very difficult time.”
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."
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