UPDATE – death of two babies in Bridgend:
By Harry Hawkins at Wales News Service:
The tragic death of two babies is being investigated after their bodies were found in a quiet end-of-terrace home – and three people were arrested by police.
The babies – believed to be twins – were discovered in the whitewashed house later sealed off by officers in a major investigation.
Neighbours were stunned at the horror discovery in the Wildmill suburb of Bridgend, South Wales, but say they never heard or saw babies at the house.
Van driver Žilvinas Ledovskis, 47, and his partner Eglė Žilinskaitė, 29, lived in the house for more than a year.
Their whitewashed end-of-terrace home has been taped off and a forensic tent has been erected in the garden.
Next door neighbour Charmaine Gardener-Ponting, 27, said she had lived next door to the house for a year and never heard or seen any babies in the property.
She said: “We were told by police that they were called to investigate another matter and that’s when they found the babies.
“We didn’t really know them very well. We would say hello to them but we didn’t know their names.
“I saw the two guys on Saturday morning and it was a bit strange. They were leaving in the van and we were leaving but they sped off and then suddenly sped back. It was a bit off.
“I have never known the woman to be pregnant. I didn’t see her as regularly as I would see the one guy but every time I have seen her she always wore very baggy clothes and she wasn’t small so it would have been difficult to tell.
“The one guy was always working on his car in the garage. I didn’t know if two men lived there but he was certainly always there.
“We would hear them having people round in the back garden and speaking a foreign language. Its just awful.”
Neighbour Jordan Mansell, 33, said: “It was crazy. First a police van turned up and then there was another one and another one. There was a dog handler that took their Alsatian away.
“I saw them bring the body bags out. They weren’t big ones for adults sized. It was just heartbreaking.
Richard Davies, 33, said: “It’s shocking. I have never seen a woman in the house let alone a baby. I thought it was two men living there with the dog.
“It’s disgusting. Who could do that to a child.
A mum-of-four living on the road said: “It is absolutely heartbreaking. A child doesn’t ask to come into this world.
“I have four children of my own but I don’t feel safe now. They used to play out here in the street but I won’t let them now.”
Police say they were called to the scene just before 8pm on Saturday night and discovered the two infants dead.
Two men, aged 37 and 47, and a 29-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of concealing the birth of a child.
South Wales Police appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.
Superintendent Marc Attwell , from South Wales Police, said: “This is very distressing incident, and we are appealing for anyone with information, to please get in touch.
“There will be a visible police presence in the area as extensive enquiries continue and we encourage anyone with information or concerns to talk to officers.”
All three suspects remain in police custody.
In a joint statement, the three local councillors for Wildmill said: “South Wales Police need to be able to carry out their investigations and the Bridgend Central Councillors are here to support the community in any way at this difficult time.”
Bridgend County Borough says support is available for neighbouring families following the tragic announcement.
Council Leader Huw David said: “This is shocking and tragic news, and the residents of Wildmill are supporting one another closely while South Wales Police carry out their ongoing investigations.
“The council is offering the police its full co-operation, and is reminding people of the importance of remaining calm and avoiding speculation while the investigation is underway.
“If anyone has any information that they think may be relevant or helpful to the police, it can be reported directly to them by completing an online form.
“You can also report it by quoting the reference number *399650 and emailing , or calling the confidential 101 number.
“In the meantime, if any member of the public has a concern about the immediate wellbeing or safety of a child, they should report it immediately by calling 999.”
Anyone looking for support can contact charities including Cruse Bereavement Care, the Bereavement Advice Centre, Samaritans and Child Bereavement UK.
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