‘FLY HIGH , BEAUTIFUL’
The heartbreaking tributes left outside house where a child was found dead as police question 37-year-old woman
A WOMAN was in police custody last night after a young child was found dead at a house in the South Wales Valleys following what police have called an “incident”.
At around 10.20pm on Friday, emergency services were called to an incident at an address in Trealaw in the Rhondda.
A young child was declared deceased at the property on Brithweunydd Road and, according to South Wales Police, they are treating the death as unexplained.
Police officers investigating the incident say they arrested a 37-yearold woman.
She was taken to Merthyr Tydfil police station where she was being questioned yesterday.
Detectives later urged the public to be careful when posting comments online about the death of the child.
In a statement, the force said they were aware of the “deep concern and upset” within the local community arising from the child’s death.
Chief Superintendent Dorian Lloyd said: “We are continuing to investigate the events that led to the tragic death of a young child in Trealaw and an incident room has been established.
“Specially-trained officers committed to providing support to the family and to the local community at this very difficult time, have been deployed.
“I am aware of the deep concern and upset locally, but would urge all members of the community to refrain from speculating on the incident and to demonstrate responsibility when posting content on social media.
“I encourage everyone to think carefully about the consequences of messages – when using social media – and how they may impact on others. Positive action will be taken against those who post messages that are abusive, threatening or insulting.”
The incident sent shockwaves around the local community.
A number of tributes were left at the scene.
“Fly high beautiful,” read one card, which was attached to a bunch of white roses near the scene in Trealaw.
A teddy bear with heart-shaped cards also read: “RIP Princess”.
And a unicorn toy and red roses were also left outside the police cordon on Brithweunydd Road.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people took to social media to pay tribute to the child who died.
Karen Perris said: “Absolutely heartbroken. She was a sweet beautiful little girl. Like a little doll. Rip darling... fly high.
“You will be missed on the pitch supporting our boys, that little face making us smile.”
While Sarah Knight said: “RIP little princess. We are thinking of you.”
In a statement, Rhondda AM Leanne Wood has also paid tribute, saying residents have been deeply affected by the incident.
“It’s tragic to hear about the loss of a small child and my thoughts are with her family,” she said.
“It’s impossible to imagine what they are going through now.”
Ms Wood added: “Local residents in Trealaw and the wider area will have been deeply affected by this too.
“I would also like to acknowledge the work of the emergency services responding to this distressing incident.”
Rhondda MP Chris Bryant, tweeted: “Very disturbing events in Trealaw last night. I’ve spoken to police and my gratitude goes to the paramedics and police who have been dealing with what must have been very upsetting scenes.”
The age and gender of the child had not yet been confirmed by police last night.
Anyone with any information concerning this incident and who has not already spoken to the police is asked to call South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference 1800207700.