Mum kills son, 5, and then herself

A GRIEVING mum killed her five-year-old son before she hanged herself at their home yesterday.

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Michelle Stevens was found with the lad by shocked hubby Barry as he returned from work.

It is understood she recently suffered a close family bereavement and was struggling to cope.

A stunned neighbour in Sighthill, Edinburgh said: "It's unbelievable what's happened. The police and ambulance arrived this afternoon and the place has been cordoned off ever since."

Michelle, who was in her 30s, was found hanged inside the flat she shared with Barry.

It's believed her son who has not been named was suffocated.

Only locals and relatives of the victims were allowed into the quiet cul-de-sac last night as a forensics team examined the scene.

Neighbours told how cops swooped on the flat at around 4.30pm.

One said: "All I saw was the whole living room light up. There were lots of police cars, ambulances and two riders on motorbikes."

They added: "I'd seen young kids at that house. It's so sad when there are children involved."

It is believed Michelle was a secretary at nearby St Augustine's Roman Catholic High School.

Lothian and Borders Police said the bodies of a woman and child were found and that inquiries were at an "early stage".

An Edinburgh City Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the investigation and will provide all the assistance we can."



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