Revealed: Cause of death of boy, six, 'murdered by his mother' at their bungalow in Swansea

By MATTHEW LODGE, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Published: | Updated:

A six-year-old boy who was allegedly murdered by his mother died after receiving a 'significant neck injury', his inquest has been told.

Alexander Zurawski was found dead at a bungalow in Swansea on August 29 after worried neighbours called the emergency services.

His inquest at Swansea Coroner's Court was told today that inside medics found him lying in a pool of blood and that despite their best efforts he died at the scene.

The hearing was told that after a post-mortem Alexander's cause of death has been given as 'complex sharp force injury to the neck area'.

His mother, Karolina Zurawska, 41, has since been charged with his murder, as well as the attempted murder of her own 67-year-old father Krzysztof Siwi, on the same day.

Alexander Zurawski, aged six, was found dead at a bungalow in Swansea on August 29

Alexander Zurawski, aged six, was found dead at a bungalow in Swansea on August 29

Karolina Zurawska, pictured here outside Swansea Magistrates' Court on September 2, has been charged with his murder

Karolina Zurawska, pictured here outside Swansea Magistrates' Court on September 2, has been charged with his murder

Speaking at the hearing today, Detective Inspector David Butt of South Wales Police, said: 'On August 29 paramedics and South Wales Police officers were called to Cwm Du Close following concerns raised by local residents.

'Officers discovered a young boy of six years of age with a significant injury to the neck and having suffered blood loss.'

DI Butt said a post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of death as a 'complex sharp force injury to the neck area.'

Assistant coroner Mr Gruffydd said: 'I open the inquest into the death of Alexander Zurawski and adjourn the matter until a time where the criminal investigation has run its course.

Zurawska was previously remanded in custody at Swansea Crown Court after being charged with Alexander's death and the alleged attack on her father.

Speaking following Alexander's death, Chief Superintendent Chris Truscott, divisional commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, said: 'This is a distressing incident which has been a tremendous shock to the local community.

'The local community has been outstanding in their support of our investigation, and we would like to thank all of them for their patience during what has been a traumatic few days.

'A police presence will be retained in the local area over the coming days in order to provide advice and reassurance.

'Our thoughts are with Alexander's family and friends at this difficult time.'

In a tribute Alexander's family said he was 'very clever and very mature' and spoke both English and Polish and teachers at his school described him as 'very loved'.

The inquest heard that medics found Alexander in a pool of blood at the bungalow in Cwm Du Close in Gendros, Swansea

The inquest heard that medics found Alexander in a pool of blood at the bungalow in Cwm Du Close in Gendros, Swansea 

Heartbroken family paid tribute to the boy, recalling how he was 'very clever and very mature'

Heartbroken family paid tribute to the boy, recalling how he was 'very clever and very mature'

His family added that he was 'a very kind child.'

They said: 'He loved playing with his little sister and playing with his dog 'Daisy'.

'Alexander was always well behaved and never naughty.

'He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had great understanding of facts.

'Alexander was always helpful. Always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning.

'Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong.

'He was amazing.'

Bethan Peterson, Head Teacher of Whitestone Primary School said: 'We're devastated to learn of the tragic death of Alexander. Alexander was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook.

'He was an extremely loved and popular boy amongst his peers, staff and with all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.

'Appropriate support will be made available to children, staff and all those within our school community who are affected. We would ask that our school community's privacy be respected at this difficult time.'

Local MP, Labour's Torsten Bell, said: 'This is a heartbreaking news that has left everyone across Swansea shocked.

'All our thoughts are with those affected and the community wrestling with the tragic loss of a child.'

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