Mother to be charged with murdering children

Three charges of murder have been authorised against a mother accused of killing her young children at their home in Bristol, police have said.

Seven-year-old Fares Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and nine-month-old Mohammed Bash were found dead by officers called to the house in Blaise Walk, Sea Mills on 18 February 2024.

The children died as a result of knife wounds to their necks and chests, an inquest was previously told.

Yasmeen Ali, 43, is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a date to be confirmed. Ms Ali remains in the care of the mental health services, having been taken to hospital with not life-threatening injuries after the incident.

Ch Insp Keith Smith said: “This has been an extremely complex and highly sensitive investigation, resulting in charges being authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.

“We know this incident has had a devastating impact on the children’s loved ones, those close to the family, as well as the wider Sea Mills community – a community which has shown remarkable resilience and kindness over the past 19 months.

“It’s vitally important we allow the court process to continue unhindered and we’d respectfully ask people to refrain from speculation and consider the impact of commentary on those who are continuing to mourn the tragic loss of three children.”

Mr Smith added the neighbourhood policing team will be available to speak to anyone who has worries or concerns as a result of this latest development.

Specialist prosecutor Andrew Pritchard, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “I have decided that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.”

Following the deaths, Avon and Somerset Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over prior contact, but the watchdog said no investigation was required.