• Woman named locally as Michelle Weston and her son Leon, 5, were discovered by a family member

By Sarah Bruce

Last updated at 4:36 AM on 29th February 2012


Police launched an investigation last night after a mother and her young son were found dead in an Edinburgh flat.

The woman, named locally as Michelle Weston, and five-year-old Leon were discovered inside their home by a family member at around 5pm.

The emergency services were called to the scene and it is understood that  paramedics tried to revive little Leon but it was too late to save him.

Tragic: Police have launched an investigation after a mother and her young son were found dead in an Edinburgh flat

Tragic: Police have launched an investigation after a mother and her young son were found dead in an Edinburgh flat

Last night, police had cordoned off the cul-de-sac in the rundown Sighthill suburb in the west of the city.

Officers remained tight-lipped on the details of what had happened and would only say they were at a 'very early stage' in their investigation.

It is understood the deaths are being treated as suspicious but officers were waiting for test results to ascertain exactly what happened.

A police spokesman said: 'Police in Edinburgh can confirm they are  currently making inquiries into the deaths of two people in the Sighthill  area of the city.

'Emergency services were called to a house in the Parkhead Grove area late this afternoon where the bodies of a woman and a young child were found.

'The woman is believed to be aged in her thirties and the child is thought to be around five years old.

Shocking: The woman, named locally as Michelle Weston, and Leon, 5, were discovered inside their home by a family member. The police investigation is now continuing at the house

Shocking: The woman, named locally as Michelle Weston, and Leon, 5, were discovered inside their home by a family member. The police investigation is now continuing at the house

'Inquiries are at a very early stage and there is no further information at this time.' 

While detectives launched a major investigation, rumours were rife as  bloggers on one Edinburgh website talked about the tragedy.

One wrote: 'Anybody know what is going on in Parkhead? I was walking through the alleyway that leads into the cul-de-sac and reached the end where it had been cordoned off by the police.

'I had to walk all the way back to get to work. This was at about half past five and they were still there with the bottom of the street closed off at half past eight. When I went past at half past five there were a number of police cars and a few "men in suits" walking about.' 

Another contributor added: 'Such a shame and a waste for the wee one and family.'

Mrs Weston bought the home in Parkhead Grove last year but was brought up in the area. She had recently married.

It is believed she was left grief-stricken after the death of her father, Jim Weir, last month.  

He had been a well-respected prison officer and was very close to his daughter.

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

The skyline of Sighthill was dominated for decades by high rise tower blocks. The suburb is earmarked for regeneration.

Last year, three multi-storey tower blocks containing 285 homes were demolished to make way for a  housing development for sale and  for rent.