A statement by Bridgend County Borough Council following the tragic death of a child in the Sarn area

Residents in the Sarn area are continuing to support one another following the tragic death of a five year old child over the weekend.

To ensure that South Wales Police can carry out a full investigation following the arrest of three people on suspicion of murder, officers are appealing for calm and the need to avoid speculation.

Bridgend County Borough Council is also offering residents advice on the availability of resources that can provide additional support and help while the investigation is underway.

Announcing the arrests of a 39-year-old man, 30-year-old woman and 13-year-old boy, Chief Inspector Geraint White said: “This is a tragic incident in which a young child has sadly lost their life. We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information, to get in touch.

“We would ask the public not to speculate about this incident on social media as this is an active investigation. 

“If you have any information that can help, please report this to us.  Our thoughts are with the family and we are supporting them in every way we can.”

Council Leader Huw David said: “People throughout Bridgend County Borough have been devastated by this shocking news.

“The tragic death of this young child has saddened us all, but Sarn remains a very close, tight-knit community and residents are looking out for one another even as they offer South Wales Police full support in their ongoing investigations.

“If anyone has any information that they think may be relevant or helpful to the police, it can be reported directly to the Major Crime team by using an online portal link.

“You can also report it by quoting the reference number 2100268674 and emailing SWP101@south-wales.police.uk, calling 101, sending a private message on Facebook or Twitter, or completing an online form.

“Our thoughts remain with all those who have been affected by this tragic death.”

A number of organisations are available for anyone who needs additional help and support:

• Cruse Bereavement Care (0808 808 1677) and the Bereavement Advice Centre (0800 634 9494) both offer advice on all aspects of coping with bereavement.
• Samaritans (116 123) supports people in extreme distress.
• The Silver Line(0800 470 8090) provides support for older people, especially those who are experiencing loneliness and isolation.
• Child Bereavement UK (0800 028 8840) supports families dealing with the death of a baby or child.
• Winstons Wish (08088 020 021) provides support for grieving children and young people through an online chat facility or a freephone national helpline.
• The Good Grief Trust is an online search engine offering links to further bereavement support across the country.