Little Lever deaths: What do we know so far?

Tiffany Stevens, her daughters, Casey and Darcey were found dead yesterday after police were called to their home in Arthur Street.

A police presence remained at the scene all day, with officers putting up cordons both in front of the house and in the cobbled alley behind the property.

Many people have paid tribute to the family saying they are "devastated" to learn of their deaths and a steady stream of friends and relatives visited the home throughout the afternoon and evening today to leave flowers and gifts.

Crime Scene investigators were called at around 2.30pm and parked in the alleyway behind the home, with white suited officers coming and going from their vehicle for around two hours.

The young family

The mum Tiffany Stevens was known to her neighbours who said she was "brilliant mum, friendly and nice to talk to".

Her eldest daughter Casey, was three years old and until last year had been attending Jelly Babies nursery in Chapel Street, just yards from their home.

The youngest Darcey was just one.

Pictures posted on social media by Ms Stevens show her cuddling her two children and taking selfies with them at Christmas time.

 

What happened?

At the moment there is no official comment from Greater Manchester Police confirming how the family died.

A number of rumours have been circulating on social media about what might have led to their deaths, though noting as yet has been confirmed.

Initially, there was a suggestion carbon monoxide poisoning was to blame but the police have discounted this for the moment.

READ MORE: Carbon monoxide not believed to have caused tragic family's deaths

There is also no suggestion that anyone else is involved in the incident.

READ MORE: Police 'not looking for anyone else' in connection with deaths

 

Timeline

• Yesterday afternoon a neighbour said she had heard screaming outside the house.
• Paramedics were called to the house at 3.35pm.
• They were followed by police officers who were called at 3.50pm.
• Late last night Greater Manchester Police confirmed they had been called to the house because they were concerned for a woman's welfare.
• Officers confirmed the bodies of a woman and two young children had been found.
• Today Tiffany Stevens and her daughters were named on social media
• Police enquiries are still ongoing

What have the police said?

The police have not yet confirmed the names of Tiffany Stevens and her daughters, despite an outpouring of grief from friends online.

Police have said they do not believe the deaths to have been caused by carbon monoxide.

They have also said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.

READ MORE: Police 'not looking for anyone else' in connection with deaths

 

Superintendent Rick Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton borough, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident and we have specialist officers supporting the family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“Our officers will be continuing with enquiries at the scene over the coming days and detectives will be investigating the full circumstances surrounding what happened.

“We are keeping an open mind as to what happened to the woman and her children and the investigation is likely to take some time, however based on what we know so far we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

“I would urge anyone who knows anything to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency, as your information could be vital to this investigation.”