Police treat deaths of two young girls as murder

Police are treating the deaths of two young children whose bodies were found in their home as murder.

Tiffany Stevens and her daughters, Casey, aged three, and one-year-old Darcey, were discovered at the address in Bolton on Monday after concerns were raised for the welfare of a woman.

The death of Ms Stevens is not being treated as suspicious and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death of her children.

None of the three have yet been formally identified as detectives continue their inquiries in liaison with the coroner.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“Specialist officers will continue to support them while they deal with the loss of their loved ones.

“This was an extremely upsetting case that has affected the family, friends, the local community and everyone at GMP who has been involved with it.

“I would like to thank my fellow officers for their professionalism and diligence over the past 48 hours and the local community for their cooperation and patience.”

Police were called to the property in Arthur Street, Little Lever, shortly before 3.50pm on Monday.

On Tuesday, neighbour Annmarie Crossland, 36, said she was first alerted when relatives were heard “screaming and shouting” in the alleyway at the back of the house.

She described Ms Stevens as a “brilliant mum” and said her own four children played with Ms Stevens’s daughters.

Ms Crossland added: “They were gorgeous little kids. Great, really nice.

“She would take them to the park and into Bolton. They were very friendly.”