Mystery As Police Officer, 3-Year-Old Child Found Dead At Home In England

Mystery shrouds the deaths of a 39-year-old serving police officer and a 3-year-old child, who were found lifeless at a house in Worcestershire, England, Friday.

Detective Constable David Louden, who was serving with West Mercia Police, and his 3-year-old son, Harrison, were found dead at an address in Cairndhu Drive, Kidderminster, Sky News reported. No cause of death has been released.

Louden had been in the force's Crime Investigation Department (CID) for several years, focusing on burglary gangs and drug offenders, Manchester Evening News reported.

An investigation has been launched into the deaths, which are currently being treated as unexplained by police.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the home due to reports of a medical emergency at 9:21 a.m. Friday. The service confirmed that a hazardous area response team was sent to the house, the BBC reported.

"On arrival, we discovered two patients, a man and a young child," the service said in a statement obtained by Sky News. "Sadly, it quickly became apparent that neither patient could be saved and they were confirmed dead at the scene."

West Mercia's Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones said in a statement, “It is with great sadness that I share the news that a serving police officer and a three-year-old child have passed away. While the circumstances of the deaths are not fully known, this is clearly a tragic incident and our deepest condolences are with family and colleagues.”

A photo of the police officer and his son was released by West Mercia Police as tributes flowed for Louden’s wife and other family members.

“David was a kind, loving, considerate, amazing father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague,” Louden’s family said in a statement released by the department. "Harrison was a happy, well-loved little boy. They will both be forever missed and loved.”

The family has requested privacy to allow them to grieve in peace.

Police said they will do their best to determine the cause of the tragedy and the events leading up to the deaths.

"I have been reassured by West Mercia Police that they will work hard to get to the bottom of what has happened in this case, and there isn't a wider concern to the public," West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion told the BBC.