‘Devoted’ mum suspected of murder-suicide with ‘severely disabled’ daughter, 8

A mother and daughter, eight, were tragically found dead at a house on Monday.

An investigation has been launched under the suspicion that Martina, 40, and Eleni’s heartbreaking deaths were the result of a murder-suicide in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Heartbroken neighbours on South Radford Street have spoken of their shock at the horror crime scene as a picture of the mother and daughter is shared.

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Manchester Evening News reports emergency services were called to the property on Monday over concerns for their welfare.

Martina was named by friends and neighbours with her eight-year-old daughter, Eleni described as ‘severely disabled’. According to the M.E.N., Salford council was aware of the family and had been involved in Eleni’s care.

The council has been contacted for a further comment. One friend told the M.E.N. that she was shocked to hear the ‘worst had happened’ when she heard of the pair’s deaths.

A neighbour who knew Martina said she was a ‘loving’ mother. “I did know her and it’s so hard to come to terms with,” the neighbour added.

“She had lived here about six years. About what actually happened through I can’t say because I don’t know.” Another neighbour said he often saw Martina getting Eleni into the car in the mornings, adding that it looked like ‘incredibly hard work’. “It’s so tragic”, another added.

“Just so awful that she got to that point.” Martina was believed to half-Italian and half-Polish, and had been living on South Radford Street for around two years.

Another resident said: “All I could say was she was a loving and devoted mother to the little girl. Eleni was severely disabled and hugely dependant on her mum.”

“She had a walking frame and she would walk with her mum up and down the street outside their house. A bus would come to take the girl to a special school each day.”

“Martina was quite a closed person. A police van arrived outside the house with lights flashing. I came downstairs to have a look then a policewoman knocked on the door and asked if I had seen my neighbour.”

“Then the fire brigade came and got in at the back of the house, breaking the glass. After that the police came and asked us to go back inside.”

Detectives said previously that they are ‘not actively looking for anyone else’ following the deaths. The incident was said to be ‘contained’ with ‘no wider threat in the community’.

In a statement issued yesterday, Detective Superintendent Simon Moyles, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “A woman and young girl were both tragically found dead and we are working hard as a team to establish what happened here this morning.”

“Whilst we are not actively looking for anyone else in relation to this investigation, I understand the news of their deaths and the large police and emergency services presence at the address will most likely cause some concern to residents and those further afield in Greater Manchester. I want to reassure them that we believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider threat in the community.”

“A cordon has been put in place and there is a scene is contained on South Radford Street. We continue to thank the public for their patience as we respond in the area.”

“We have placed a number of highly visible officers to patrol in and around the area should any residents wish to come and talk to us or pass on any information they may have about this tragic incident. If you have any information, contact us on 101 quoting log 998 of 23/09/2024.”

A Salford council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the terribly sad news this morning and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives. We’re working closely with GMP and assisting them with their ongoing investigation and our teams will be supporting both local residents and council staff who have no doubt been greatly affected by the events today.”

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