A DEVASTATED mum’s “world has ended” after her six-year-old daughter was discovered dead in a house with her dad.
The bodies of Hope and Mark Gordon, 36, were found inside a family home in West Calder, West Lothian, after a concern was raised when she failed to attend school.
Cops initially said both deaths were “unexplained” but, following a post mortem, officers said they were treating the schoolgirl’s death as murder.
Her father’s death is still unexplained but police said they do not believe anyone else was involved in the crime.
A close friend of the family, Melanie Wheeldon, has said the youngster’s mother now faces “the worst time of her life” as she grieves the deaths.
She told MailOnline: “It is the worst time of her life. She’s just really sad. Her world has ended because of this… She (Hope) was so loved and didn’t deserve any of this.
“She was really well liked by everybody. She was out playing and building snowmen just two weeks ago, just a normal little kid, who didn’t deserve this.”
Hope, who attended Toronto Primary School, which paid tribute to her this week, had gone to stay with her 36-year-old father for the weekend.
Mark and Hope’s mother had shared custody of the youngster, it is understood.
There had been no suggestion that anything was amiss, making the discovery all the more shocking for her friends, family, and neighbours.
Melanie told the outlet: “There was no indication that anything was wrong. It came completely out of the blue. We are all just really shocked.”
Friends say Hope loved animals and had a pet cat called Roblox and a dog Milo at the house she shared with her mum.
The grieving parent is said to have had a “beautiful relationship” with her daughter.
In an effort to help the grieving family Melanie has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser link with your friends and family to help spread the word,” said Melanie.
The local community has been left in shock, with neighbours saying they cannot believe the young girl’s life has been so abruptly taken.
Detectives investigating the death revealed that officers had previous “contact” with the family.
Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Hope’s family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy.
“The families are understandably devastated and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.
“Our team of officers continue to carry out enquiries to get answers for the families and at this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved. I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with the police.”
Speaking earlier in the week, Hope’s headteacher Fiona Linfoot described her as ‘bright, bubbly and affectionate’.
She said: “Hope was a much-loved member of the Toronto Primary family, and will be hugely missed by all her friends and school staff.
“She was a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl who brought joy to everyone she met. We will really miss her infectious smile and kind heart.
“We would ask everyone to respect the privacy of her family and the school community at this difficult time. Help and support is available to any of our pupils, or staff, affected by this tragic news.”
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks said earlier: “The shock and sadness felt across West Lothian is understandable. Words won’t take that anxiety and concern away.
“But I want to reassure people this is an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to members of the public at this time.
“We are working tirelessly to understand what happened within the property and answer questions from devastated family members.”
