A girl and a boy who were tragically found dead in Stafford this morning have been named by Staffordshire Police.

Meraj Ul Zahra, aged two, and Abdul Momin Alfaateh, three, were both found unresponsive with injuries inside a home in Corporation Street on Sunday morning, police said. They both died at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

A 43-year-old woman, from the Stafford area, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, remains in custody while inquiries continue. A police cordon also remains in place in Corporation Street.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as is routine following earlier police contact, Staffordshire Police said. Detective Inspector Kirsty Oldfield said earlier today: "We are working hard to understand more about what happened leading up to these two children tragically losing their lives.

"We ask that people do not speculate at this stage as it is distressing for family and friends and could hinder our inquiries. We understand that this incident may cause concern in the local community. We don't believe there is wider threat to the public at this time. A cordon is currently in place at a home on Corporation Street."

Two ambulances and two paramedic officers were sent to the scene, West Midlands Ambulance Service said. A spokesman said: "On arrival of ambulance staff we discovered two patients, both children. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed dead at the scene."

A man who lives on the street, Luke Browne, said he saw a forensic van and a police car parked up as he left for work on Sunday morning. The 61-year-old book shop owner said "children dying is a horror."

He said: "It's very sad. Children dying is a horror. It's quite painful to hear it." He added: "I've only lived there a year but everybody I've met has been lovely."

Anyone with any information that could help Staffordshire Police with their investigation is asked to get in touch by calling 101, or via Live Chat on their website, quoting incident number 147 of 12 October. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.