Ethan and Elizabeth John were both found seriously injured (Picture: Staffordshire Police)
Two children who were found seriously injured inside a house in Stoke-on-Trent have been identified.
Ethan John, 11, and seven-year-old Elizabeth John were found unresponsive with ‘significant injuries’ on Sunday.
Despite the efforts of paramedics they both died at the scene.
A 49-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and she’s still in custody.
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.’
In a 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 street was cordoned off by police (Picture: Stoke Sentinel/BPM Media)
Elizabeth was seven when she died (Picture: Staffordshire Police)
Ethan was described as a ‘wonderful member of our school community’ (Picture: Staffordshire Police)
‘The loss of Elizabeth is truly devastating for us all and her absence will leave a huge hole within our school community.’
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan 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.’
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.
Officers then found the children injured at the property in Flax Street.
Staffordshire Police is asking anyone with information, or with CCTV or dashcam footage from the Flax Street or Campbell Road area, to get in touch.
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A 49-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and she’s still in custody.
