Community gather to pay respects for 'final journey' of murdered West Lothian schoolgirl

People have gathered to pay their respects to a schoolgirl who was killed in West Lothian.

Hope Gordon was found dead alongside her dad, Mark, at a property on Harburn Drive in West Calder around 4pm on Monday, January 20.

Police were called to the house after a family member raised concerns about the six-year-old failing to attend school.

Hope’s death is being treated as murder, while her 36-year-old father’s death is being treated as not suspicious.

The schoolgirl made her “final journey” through Livingston to Adambrae Cemetery on Monday.

Hope’s family asked those wishing to pay their respects to line the streets as she passed in a white horse-drawn carriage.

The cortege left Co-op Funeralcare in Livingston on Monday and continued through Dedridge.

Hope’s aunt said that the “world feels empty” without her.

A fundraiser launched to help pay for her funeral raised more than £10,000 in a number of days.

Posting on the donation page, Hope’s aunt Tess said that the tragedy would “never be understood or justified” by the family.

“The torment, torture and heartache that we feel will never be able to be described,” she said.

“Not today, not tomorrow, and not in the future. Not only do we feel empty, but the world feels empty too.”

Police Scotland chief superintendent Gregg Banks said the incident was “shocking and deeply upsetting”.

“The impact is felt right across the local community,” he said.

“I am grateful for the support received as we methodically complete essential enquires within the house in West Calder to ensure the families and local residents get the answers they deserve, and would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.

“There will continue to be a visible policing presence in the area and I would urge anyone with questions, concerns or information to approach a local officer – they are there to help.”