Neighbours' shock over death of girl, 2, and boy, 3

Neighbours have spoken of their shock after the death of two children in Stafford as police continue to question a woman on suspicion of murder.

Meraj Ul Zahra, two, and Abdul Momin Alfaateh, three, died after they were found injured and unresponsive at a home on Corporation Street at about 07:30 BST on Sunday.

A 43-year-old woman from Stafford was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody while inquiries continued, Staffordshire Police said.

Neighbours have told BBC Midlands Today of their shock after learning what had happened, with one woman describing it as "dreadful" and "absolutely mad".

Another resident, Maddison Simcock, said: "I saw all the police and ambulances going up, and I was so worried.

"My mum rang me telling me [what had happened], and I said, 'On my street?'. It was crazy."

Jeffrey Marfo said he was "really devastated" after he learnt of the children's deaths.

"The whole area has become very, very tense. We don't know what's happening," he added.

Police remained at Corporation Street on Monday as investigations continued, and bunches of flowers were also left at the scene.

Det Insp Kirsty Oldfield said on Sunday: "We are working hard to understand more about what happened leading up to these two children tragically losing their lives."

She asked people not to speculate about what happened, as it was "distressing" for the family and could hinder police inquiries.

"We understand that this incident may cause concern in the local community. There is no wider threat to the public," she added.

Police were called to the home by West Midlands Ambulance Service, which attended shortly before 07:30 BST on Sunday.

"Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save [the children], and they were confirmed dead at the scene," a spokesperson said.

The incident was also referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which said there had been "recent police contact" prior to the children's deaths.