A six-year-old girl has died and a man, believed to be her father, has been arrested in connection with her death.
It is understood the girl, named locally as Ellie Butler, lived with her dad Ben Butler, her mum Jennie Gray and her little sister, in Westover Close, in the Shanklin Estate.
Ben Butler with Ellie as a baby
Yesterday the London Ambulance Service were called just after 3.45pm to the family’s flat and took her to a south London Hospital where she died just after 4pm.
Police said they were called to reports of a girl who collapsed in Sutton and a post-mortem examination would be held on Thursday, October 31. Officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating.
Enquiries continue into the circumstances of her death – which at this early stage is being treated as unexplained.
A forensic officer outside the family's flat in the Shanklin Estate
19-year-old bar worker, Jack Brown, said he used to know Ellie’s parents when they visited Chicago’s bar in Sutton.
He said: “I came back from work about 1.30 in the morning and the police were still here. There was a meat wagon, a van and a car. [The police] have been there since yesterday afternoon.
“They were a nice family as far as I know – the mum and dad.
“I had a lot of respect for Ben. I had a lot of time for the girls. They were always polite and well mannered girls – I feel so sorry for them. I can’t believe it. I want to leave a card for them.”
Neighbours expressed their sadness at Ellie’s death with one saying it was very raw and another describing it as awful.
A police cordon around the scene
Westover Close
A Police spokesman said: “Police were called by London Ambulance Service shortly after 15.35hrs on Monday, 28 October, regarding a six-year-old girl found collapsed at an address in Sutton.
“She was taken to a south London hospital where she died at 16.01hrs.
“Next of kin are aware.
“A post-mortem examination will be held on Thursday, 31 October.
“Officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating.
“Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death which at this early stage is being treated as unexplained.
“A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this investigation and remains in custody at a south London police station.”
If you would like to pay tribute to Ellie email ssleigh@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 0208 722 6358.
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