Police arrest mother on suspicion of trying to murder children, 7 and 16 mths

A mother has been arrested on suspicion of trying to kill two of her children in Wales.

The alarm was raised at 8am when police were called to the children’s grandparents’ home in Newport, South Wales.

Detectives said a 16-month-old girl and a boy aged seven suffered knife wounds and have been taken to hospital. Their condition has been described as stable, as has a woman arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Gwent Police Chief Superintendent Mark Warrender said the incident was tragic and urged members of the public to come forward with information.

Speaking to reporters outside the force’s central station in Newport, he refused to comment on the relationship between the woman and the children, but he said both youngsters and the arrested woman sustained knife injuries and specialist officers were offering support to the family.

A force spokesman said: “A 27-year-old woman from the Newport area has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and has been taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital where she is receiving treatment.

“A knife has been recovered from the scene. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

Sources say the children and their mother were at their grandparents’ home when the incident took place.

Although the woman has not been identified, her parents have been named locally as Kerry and Nigel Ash, who have a flat in a complex for elderly people.

Several neighbours reported hearing a “lot of commotion” followed by the arrival of around 10 police cars and at least three ambulances.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It was a total shock to see that many police cars and ambulances.

“This is a very quiet street as it’s a complex for older people. I’ve never seen anything like this in all the years I’ve lived here.

“I looked outside and could see a lot of commotion outside Kerry and Nigel’s. The whole thing is so sad. Just thank god the kids were not seriously hurt.”

It is believed a third child in the property at the time was unhurt.

Local councillor Bob Poole described the street as a quiet part of Newport.

He said: “There is never any trouble down there at all so it is a big shock something like this has happened. It is a really lovely place to live and the people there are the salt of the earth.

“It’s sad, but I know everyone there will pull together and help out where they can.”

Gwent Police said anyone with any information should contact them on the 101 telephone number or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.