DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after a father allegedly killed his young daughter before taking her own life.
The bodies of Mark Gordon, 36, and Hope, six, were found at the family home in West Calder on Monday.
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Tragic schoolgirl Hope Gordon was killed in an alleged murder-suicideCredit: PA
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Mark Gordon is known to have taken his own life at a house in West Calder. Credit: Facebook
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Officers remain at the house on Harburn Drive in West Lothian today Credit: Michael Schofield, News Group Newspapers Ltd
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A man and his six-year-old daughter were found dead in the family’s homeCredit: Michael Schofield, News Group Newspapers Ltd
It is understood the double-death tragedy is now being treated as a suspected murder-suicide while officers are at the scene.
The tragic schoolgirl was yesterday described by her teachers as “bright, lively and affectionate”.
Detectives investigating the death revealed that officers had previously had “contact” with the family.
Staff at Toronto Elementary School in Livingston raised the alarm after the child, who split time between both parents, failed to show up for class on Monday morning.
A concerned relative went to chef Mark’s home in West Calder, West Lothian, but got no response.
They contacted the police who made the gruesome discovery after fire crews entered at around 4pm.
Fiona Linfoot, principal at Hope’s school, said: “Hope was a beloved member of the family at Toronto Primary School and will be greatly missed by all her friends and staff. She was a bright, lively and affectionate girl who brought joy to everyone she met.
“We will truly miss her contagious smile and kind heart.”
Detectives remained at the scene last night but said there was “nothing to suggest” anyone else was involved in the tragedy. An autopsy has yet to be performed.
Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks said there was an “element of shared custody” for Hope, who stayed with her father “for a while”.
A dad posted a video urging ‘be kind’ before he was found dead with his daughter, 6
He said: “The shock and sadness felt in West Lothian is understandable. Words will not take away the anguish and concern.
“But I want to reassure people that this is an isolated incident and that there is no major risk to members of the public at this time.
“We are working tirelessly to understand what happened inside the property and answer questions from devastated family members.”
He added: “The police are aware of the family, we have been working with them on various points. But there is nothing connected to this incident that causes any concern.”
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Presents of flowers were spotted outside a West Calder house this morningCredit: Michael Schofield, News Group Newspapers Ltd
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A beautiful bouquet of flowers was laid at the venue with the words ‘fly high’Credit: Michael Schofield, News Group Newspapers Ltd
When pressed to explain further, Ch Supt Banks said: “The family would come into contact with the police for a variety of reasons, as well as other agencies. So we know who the individuals are who come into contact.”
He added that the investigation is still at a “relatively early stage.”
He said: “The autopsy hasn’t been done yet. Sympathy. I hope people don’t make wild guesses. It really doesn’t do the family any favors. Let’s work on the facts.”
‘BE KIND’ LAST VIDEO
BY JORDAN TENNANT
A DAD who was found dead with his young daughter urged followers to ‘be kind’ days before he died.
Mark Gordon, 36, and Hope, six, were found at the family home in West Calder.
Officers raided a house in a former mining community in West Lothian at 4pm on Monday after “reports of concern about a person inside”.
And days before the double fatal tragedy, Mark shared the post with his Facebook followers.
He said: “Many of you may be asking ‘hey Mark, why are you out in this blizzard?’
“Well, I’m going to the gym, and so should you, you fat slob.” “Be kind, God bless you.”
The tragic father appeared to be in good spirits as he struggled through the snow in a pink hoodie.
Watch the video HERE
The area around the house was still cordoned off last night with police officers standing guard. There was a police tent at the back gate, while stunned locals left flowers nearby.
Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, from the main investigation team, added: “We have no information at this time to suggest that anyone else is involved.”
Earlier this month, dad Mark shared a post on Facebook with the caption: “What a day to be alive.” In it, Dad urged people to “be kind.”
West Lothian Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “The local community will be in shock. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of those affected by this tragic incident.”
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Source: HIS Education