Mother to be quizzed over attacks

Louise was seriously hurt and Erin died

Police have been waiting to interview a mother about an attack in which one of her daughters was killed and the other was seriously injured.

Six-year-old Erin Gilmour was found dead and her 10-year-old sister Louise was rushed to hospital following an incident at the family flat in Union Street, Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire.

A spokesman said the force was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Forensic officers are examining the flat

A full-scale investigation was launched after police were called to the house at 1750 BST on Thursday.

Both girls were believed to have been attacked with a hammer.

Erin was dead and Louise was taken to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.

Her condition has improved but staff still described it as "serious but stable".

The girls' 36-year-old mother, who has not been named, was detained under observation at Wishaw General.

A police officer was stationed outside the family home as families left flowers, toys and notes of affection at the gates of the end-of-terrace building.

The curtains were drawn on the downstairs windows of the red and yellow pebble-dashed flat.

Erin, you are so cute and so tiny, you are a good friend

Note outside family's flat

News of the incident was received with horror and grief by people in the former mining village.

One neighbour said: "Louise and Erin were the best friends of my two daughters, who are six and eight years old.

"Louise was supposed to be staying over at our house last night, I sent my eight-year-old over there on Wednesday night to remind her.

"It was about eight o'clock. I just told her to put a note through the door telling Louise to remember to bring her toothbrush and a book.

"My girl said the curtains were drawn when she went down there. I haven't told them yet what happened and I'm dreading it."

One of the cards at the fence said: "Erin, you are the bestest friend ever. I will miss you."

Another message read: "Erin, you are so cute and so tiny, you are a good friend."

And someone wrote: "Wee Erin, a little light has went out of our lives and now lights up heaven."