The deaths of a police officer and his three-year-old son in Kidderminster are being treated as a suspected murder-suicide.
West Mercia police assistant chief constable Damian Barratt said that although the deaths of David Louden, 39, and Harrison Louden were originally treated as unexplained, the force was now satisfied no other parties had been involved.
Officers went to an address in Cairndhu Drive in Kidderminster on 13 August because of concerns for the welfare of a man and a young child. Louden, an officer with West Mercia police, and Harrison were found dead, police said.
Providing an update on the investigation, Barratt said: “David Louden and his three-year-old son, Harrison, were tragically found dead at their home in Kidderminster on Friday, 13 August 2021. At the time the deaths were treated as unexplained and an investigation was launched into the circumstances.
“We, West Mercia police, are now treating the death of Harrison as a suspected murder and the death of David as a suspected suicide. Postmortems have now taken place and the investigation team, in conjunction with the coroner, are satisfied that no other parties were involved.”
Barratt continued: “However, safeguarding reviews are now under way and there will be an inquest to provide an official determination, so we are unable to comment any further at this time in relation to the circumstances or the investigation.
“This is a dreadfully sad case and our thoughts are with David and Harrison’s family and friends. They have requested that they be allowed to grieve and will not be providing any further comment to the media at this time.”
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In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 and the domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the US, the suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 and the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org
