Neighbours pay tribute to ‘nice, quiet family’ after mum and son, 5, found dead

Neighbours have paid tribute to the “nice, quiet family” who were found dead at home in North London. Yesterday afternoon (June 21), a mum and her five-year-old son were found stabbed to death at an address in Barnet.

Locals say they have “cried so much” following the horrific incident. Becky, 39, who did not give her last name, said of her neighbours: “Oh my God, it’s just shocking, it really is. Yes, I knew the family, nice, quiet Chinese family, from China. I’m bad with names. I’m a mother of two girls, similar age (to the child victim), they have never played but they have met them before.

“I have cried so much, earlier in particular when I heard that a child was involved, that was devastating.” Another local has called the murder “shameful” and said she “can’t believe” it happened.

READ MORE: Mum and young son, 5, found stabbed to death in their North London home

Mother-of-two Rummana Chowdhury, 37, said: “I don’t know them, it’s definitely very sad, it’s shameful. I can’t believe this, it’s unbelievable. It’s scary and sad as well because this morning everything was OK and suddenly this happened.”

Met Police officers were called to the home in Brookside South by London Ambulance Service paramedics at about 1.35pm and found the pair with stab wounds. London’s Air Ambulance was called but neither of them could be saved and they were both pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation has been launched, led by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command and a 37-year-old man who was known to the victims, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Chief superintendent Sara Leach, policing commander for the North West including Barnet, said: “The whole community will be shocked and saddened to hear of this terrible incident. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman and child who have died and also with the officers and paramedics who were first to arrive at what was an incredibly challenging scene.”

Specialist detectives are working to establish the timeline of events whilst a man remains in custody. Speaking to residents in the local area, Sara reassured that “there is nothing to indicate, at this stage, that anyone else was involved in this incident”.

“I would urge anyone who saw or heard anything unusual earlier today, or in recent days, to come forward and speak to the police,” they added, “your information could be vital as the investigation moves forward.”

Information can be provided to police by calling 101 with the reference 3590/21JUN. Alternatively, it can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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