The deaths of serving police officer David Louden and his three-year-old son Harrison are being treated as a suspected murder/suicide, it has been announced.
The pair were found dead at a property in Kidderminster last Friday.
Providing an update on the deaths of David and Harrison Louden, West Mercia Police Assistant Chief Constable Damian Barratt said: “David Louden and his three year-old son, Harrison, were tragically found dead at their home in Kidderminster on Friday August 13 2021.
“At the time the deaths were treated as unexplained and 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.
“Post-mortems have now taken place and the investigation team, in conjunction with the coroner, are satisfied that no other parties were involved.
“However, safeguarding reviews are now underway 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.”
West Mercia Police had previously treated the deaths as "unexplained."
A neighbour said the pair had been away on holiday with David's wife and another relative but the trip was cut short.
It appears only father and son had returned to the house before concerns for safety were raised and the bodies were found last Friday morning.
On Sunday, a photograph of Dave and Harrison was released by police alongside a tribute from their wife and mother, Mrs Louden, who also works for the police as an officer.
In the statement, she said: "David was a kind, loving, considerate, amazing father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague. Harrison was a happy, well-loved little boy. They will both be forever missed and loved."
The West Mercia Police Federation also issued a statement following the sad deaths.
Sarah Cooper, branch chair, said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic and heart-breaking news. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted by this devastating incident and our thoughts are very much with family, friends and colleagues.
“The ripples from this incident will be far-reaching and I know that officers and staff across West Mercia Police will be impacted hugely by this tragedy.
“As a Federation, we will be on hand to support our members through this in any way we can.”
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, also offered his condolences to the family affected by the deaths.
He said: "My thoughts are with the family affected, and West Mercia Police Officers and staff who are having to come to terms with this terrible news."
