SINGAPORE: A 36-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering her son. She is also believed to have tried to kill herself.

Channel NewsAsia understands that her 13-year-old son, Tan Eu-Jin, may have been poisoned in his sleep. The tragedy happened in their home at Block 144, Toa Payoh Lorong 2.

Police said they were alerted by family members who had found the teen motionless on a mattress, in the bedroom he shared with his mother.

The teen was rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he died at around 3.25am on Friday. Police said there was no visible injury on his body and no murder weapon was found at his home.

His mother, who was also in the room then, was found with cuts on both her wrists. She was also rushed to the hospital, and is now out of danger.

According to a neighbour, there were some 20 police officers at the crime scene. "The police were there and didn't let me enter my flat. They asked me where I was going. I said I was going home after returning from the market."

Those who knew the teen described him as a very healthy, lively and courteous person.

One of his friends, Leow Zan Hui, said: "I am very sad and shocked. We were good friends. He would come over to play cards and games."

Neighbours said the teen lived with his parents. Leow Zan Hui said: "I've never seen his father. Eu-Jin said he's working overseas."

The boy was a Secondary One student at St. Gabriel's Secondary School. The school said efforts to contact his father have been unsuccessful.

School counsellors are also on hand to help students cope with the bad news. - CNA/ir/ac