‘It’s a tragedy’: Girl, four, dies and mother critically injured
A GIRL aged four has died and her mother is in hospital with critical injuries. Neighbours today told of the battle to save the little girl’s life after the alarm was raised.
A nurse who entered the family’s flat, above a Sri Lankan supermarket in a shopping parade in Mitcham, told the Standard: “There was so much blood.”
Scotland Yard called to Monarch Parade at 4pm yesterday say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.
This morning an officer guarded the crime scene as forensic officers searched for evidence. A child’s pink bike was outside as floral tributes started to be placed.
Elsa Gonzales, 47, said she was alerted by a resident shouting for an ambulance.
She said: “He was screaming for us to help. I went into the flat. In the bedroom, there was blood everywhere.
“[The mother] had a wound in her torso. She was still responsive and was mumbling something. Then I looked on the bed and her daughter was on her side. I am medically trained, I knew she had gone. It was a living nightmare.”
She said the Sri Lankan family were “fantastic people”, adding: “The mother had been unwell I know because her husband had asked my advice because of my medical background.
“She had not been to hospital because
The little girl was so beautiful and full of life. They are the nicest family, we are really devastated Neighbour Thebaka Thurairadneswaran
of the Covid-19 pandemic. She was not at all well.” Relative Thinesh Sivantham, 31, told the Standard: “We are all devastated. The mum was not well or coping well at all. I have spoken to the father and he is in a mess.
“He can’t believe what has happened. I was with him soon after it happened and I live close. It’s a tragedy.”
He said the girl’s father was at work at Sainsbury’s when he was told of the incident.
Local shopkeeper Pathmanathan Ariyaratnam added: “They are my customers. The mum has been very much in pain. She couldn’t get treatment and was trying herbal remedies. It is a mystery what can have happened.” Neighbour Thebaka Thurairadneswaran added: “The little girl used to come and play here we are so upset. She was so beautiful and full of life. They are the nicest family, we are really devastated.”
Police said a woman, 35, had been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.