Funeral to be held for murdered schoolgirl

The funeral of a murdered six-year-old girl will take place in Livingston later.

Hope Gordon and her 36-year-old father, Mark Gordon, were found dead after police forced entry to a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder, on 20 January.

The force has launched a murder investigation into her death and has said Mr Gordon’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

Hope’s family have asked for members of the public who wish to pay their respects to line the street leading to Adambrae Cemetery.

Co-op Funeralcare said her body will be taken by horse-drawn carriage through the Dedridge area between 12:45 and 13:15.

A fundraiser, organised by a family friend, raised over £10,000 to cover the cost of the funeral.

The fundraising page said Hope was a “vibrant and loving little girl, known for her infectious smile, kind spirit, and deep love for animals”.

Fiona Linfoot, head teacher of Toronto Primary School in Livingston, where Hope was a pupil, described her as “a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl”.

The family are being supported by specialist officers.