Kent mum and teenage daughter found dead in burger van on Valentine's Day

Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall Credit: Facebook

Tributes are being paid to a mother and daughter from Kent who were found dead inside a van on Valentine's Day.

Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall were found in the van which was parked at a property on the Old Thanet Way in Whitstable on Tuesday morning. (14 February)

Kent Police and paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service were called to the scene just after 8am, but confirmed a woman in her fifties and a teenage girl were pronounced dead.

Officers say their deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

It's believed they were exposed to carbon monoxide while working in the van.

It's believed Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall were exposed to carbon monoxide while working in the burger van. Credit: ITV Meridian

Tyla Wanstall discovered his mum and sister at the van on Tuesday morning. He told ITV Meridian: "When I got to the burger van around 8am - I was running late because admittedly it was my birthday.

"When I got there my mum's car was outside.

"I opened the door to shout, 'what you doing here', and you don't even want to know what I saw.

"It wasn't good - it was my mum and my sister and they weren't alive. My sister is just a baby- she's 17 and it just shouldn't happen.

  • Son and brother Tyla Wanstall paid tribute to his family

This afternoon at 5pm (Wednesday 15 February) people gathered opposite Cains amusements at Central Parade in Herne Bay to release pink and silver balloons in memory of the mother and daughter.

A Facebook post from Leah's daughter Ocean read: "Anyone and everyone are welcome.

"Pink and Silver balloons if you can but any are welcome. If people can’t make it, it’s okay, the funeral will be open for our angels."

  • Watch as pink and silver balloons are released in memory of Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Kent Police said: "At 8.17am on Tuesday 14 February 2023, Kent Police was called following concerns for the welfare of two people in a van at a property on the Old Thanet Way, Whitstable.

"Officers attended the scene along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and a woman in her 50s and a teenage girl were pronounced deceased.

"The deaths are being treated as non-suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…