Watchdog to investigate after the deaths of two brothers
- 00:02:10
- ITN
Watchdog to investigate after the deaths of two brothers
A 21-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering her two sons after a baby and toddler were found stabbed to death. The bodies of three-month-old Delayno Marco Mullings-Sewell and his three-year-old brother Romario were discovered at a property in Kilmington Drive, in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester. Both children had one stab wound each to the abdomen. Greater Manchester Police were first alerted by a call from a local doctor's surgery with reports of concern for the welfare of Jael Mullings. Officers were dispatched to the house, arriving about 2.50pm, but there was no one at home and they could not get in. A neighbour told them the mother had been seen pushing a double buggy with the children at shops nearby. Officers searched the area and visited the children's grandmother to try to find Ms Mullings, who was described as in a "distressed state". It is understood Ms Mullings - who has since been sectioned under the Mental Health Act - then went to her mother's house and shortly after paramedics received a call to go to Kilmington Drive where they found the children just before 6pm. Police were then called. A GMP spokesman was unable to confirm that the first phone call made to police was a 999 call. The investigation has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for their consideration," the force said. In a statement, the boys' devastated family paid tribute to the "beautiful, innocent children". The family said: "This family had two beautiful, innocent children called Romario, who was just two years old, and his brother Delayno who had only been born in July this year. "We, as a family, are struggling to come to terms with the tragic events of yesterday afternoon and we cannot even begin to understand what happened. "Everybody is completely devastated and although we appreciate the interest of the press, we would be very grateful if the family could be left in peace to begin the grieving process. "We hope that wherever the boys have gone to, they are at peace." A number of neighbours said the young mother had been troubled in recent months. Melissa Bell, 23, said the killings were a "cry for help". She said: "I think it's really sad. It's a cry for help and she never got the help she needed. She is a lovely girl. Everyone said she needed help but she never got any." Greater Manchester Police is appealing for anyone with any information about the discovery to contact CID officers on 0161 856 3540. People can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ITN | November 13, 2008
