Toddler dies after falling into hot tub on Mothers’ Day

A TODDLER has died after apparently falling into a hot tub while playing in the garden at her family’s home.

Sophie Mallin, who was 18 months old, was killed after what police said was a “tragic accident” at home in Bathgate, West Lothian, on Mothers’ Day, last Sunday.

Paramedics were called to the scene and the child was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, but died the next day.

Detectives said they are still investigating to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

Neighbours yesterday spoke of their shock at the incident as the toddler’s family were comforted by relatives.

Sophie’s parents were named as Steve, an electrician, and Cheryl, an insurance worker. The couple are understood to have another daughter, who is four years old.

Neighbours of the family told how the normally quiet street became full of police and ambulance staff following the incident.

One said: “It’s an absolute tragedy. She was a gorgeous wee thing. Her parents had only been here for about four years, but everybody feels absolutely heartbroken for them. Nobody should have to go through that.”

Another neighbour, Isobel Khan, 44, said: “My heart goes out to the family. It’s a quiet area, but when I see young ones out in the street I always keep an eye on them because you worry about the traffic.”

She went on to say of the situation: “It only takes a couple of minutes for something to happen when your back is turned – you need eyes in the back of your head. What a shame for the family, I can’t imagine how they are feeling.”

David Barnes, who lives across the street from the family, said there was a lot of police activity.

He said: “There was lots of action in the street at the weekend. I saw police and an ambulance, but I didn’t realise what had happened. What a shame it is for the family.”

Last night, a man who answered the door at the family home said the toddler’s parents were still too upset to talk about the incident.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said the incident appeared to have been a “tragic accident”.

He said: “Police were called to an address in Fountainhead Road in Bathgate on Sunday 18 March, following an apparently tragic accident where a toddler was found injured at the property.

“The child was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, where she died the following day.”

He added: “The circumstances surrounding this incident are being fully explored by police to establish exactly what occurred at the address.”