They were aged seven, three and nine months old
A woman has been charged with murder after three children were found dead at a house, police said. Yasmeen Ali, 43, is accused of murdering seven-year-old Fares Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and nine-month-old Mohammed Bash.
The charges relate to an incident in February last year in Blaise Walk, Sea Mills, Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police said Ali, who remains in the care of the mental health services, would appear in court at a later date. Forensic post-mortem examinations were carried out and revealed that the three siblings died of knife injuries.
Chief Inspector 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.
“Our neighbourhood policing team will be available to speak to anyone who has worries or concerns as a result of this latest development.
“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.”
Andrew Pritchard, of the Crown Prosecution Service, added: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Yasmeen Ali for three counts of murder, following a police investigation into the deaths of her three children. 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.
“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and she has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
An inquest previously heard the three children died of knife wounds, with injuries to their chests and necks. Fares Bash also showed possible signs of asphyxia.
The inquest opening was attended by the children’s father, Alfil Bash. Speaking outside the hearing, he cried as he spoke of his devastation at the loss of his children and said he could not get his head around what had happened.
Mr Bash described his oldest son as a “genius boy” who loved football, singing and maths. In late February, hundreds of people attended a vigil in memory of the three children.
Following the incident, Avon and Somerset Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over prior contact, but the watchdog said no investigation was required.