Tributes paid to ‘wonderful’ children found dead at home in suspected double murder

Tributes have been paid to two “wonderful” and “caring” children who were found dead in a suspected double murder in Stoke-on-Trent.

The victims, named as Ethan John, 11, and seven-year-old Elizabeth John, were both found unresponsive with significant injuries inside a home on Flax Street on Sunday (11 June).

A 49-year-old woman from Stoke-on-Trent was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody on Monday evening (12 June) as she was questioned by detectives.

The schools of the two children paid tribute to the victims, describing their loss as “truly devastating”. Ethan’s school said: “Ethan was a wonderful member of our school community. He had impeccable manners and an infectious smile. He will be hugely missed by the staff and pupils alike, and will forever be part of our hearts.”

Paying tribute to Elizabeth, her school said: “Elizabeth was a kind, caring and friendly member of our school family. She was a ray of sunshine who always had a smile on her face.

“She was everyone’s friend – she was both bright and popular. The loss of Elizabeth is truly devastating for us all and her absence will leave a huge hole within our school community.”

Staffordshire Police said officers were called to a car wash on Campbell Road just after 2pm on Sunday following reports of an assault involving a man and a woman. A man in his 40s was taken to hospital by paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service and has since been released.

The two children were found at the property in Flax Street and despite the efforts of paramedics, they both tragically died at the scene, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan, of Staffordshire Police, said: “I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering felt by the family and friends of these two children at this time.

“Specially-trained officers are continuing to support those closest to the children whilst we find out more about what happened yesterday afternoon. I’d like to thank those who have already come forward with information and to the local community who have been respecting the cordon in place on Flax Street.

“We are solely focused on finding out what happened to these two children and supporting those affected by this deeply traumatic incident.”

Detectives are appealing for any information to be reported and are particularly interested in any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area of Flax Street and Campbell Road between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Sunday, and to hear from anyone in the area at the time.

Information can be reported to police via the Major Incident Public Portal online, or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.