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23rd Sep 2017

Mother of 7-year-old arrested over suspected murder-suicide attempt

Police are investigating.

Anna O'Rourke

A woman in the UK has been arrested after her son was found dead.

The body of Archie Spriggs was found next to his mother, who appeared to have attempted suicide.

They were discovered by Archie’s 20-year-old brother at the family home in Church Stretton in Shropshire, England, according to The Daily Mail.

The mother, Leslie Spriggs, a charity worker, was hospitalised and later arrested.

The police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident, they have said.

“There has been significant police activity at the address this evening and we expect that this will continue through tomorrow as we try to establish what has taken place,” said Superintendent Tom Harding of West Mercia Police.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the young child and we will continue to support them as our investigation progresses.”

Diane Pye, principal at Rushbury CE Primary School where Archie was a pupil, said she was deeply saddened to learn of his death.

“Archie was a wonderful, bubbly boy and a much loved member of our school,” she said.

“He was well respected and will be remembered very fondly as a good friend and pupil. He will be much missed by everyone who knew him.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Archie and his family and we ask that people continue to respect their privacy at this difficult time.”