Killamarsh: vigil held for three children and woman found dead

A shocked town in Derbyshire has gathered to hold a candlelit vigil for three children and a woman who were found dead at a home there on Sunday.

The bodies of 13-year-old John Paul, and 11-year-old Lacey Bennett were discovered in Killamarsh shortly after police were called to concerns about a man.

They were found alongside their mother Terri Harris and a third child- 11-year-old Connie Gent from Sheffield.

Around 300 people, including children, took turns to place candles around a post in the centre of the park.

Others brought flowers and teddy bears.

Some at the vigil were in tears as the pastor of Killamarsh Church on the Street, David Taylor, led them in a prayer.

Mr Taylor said: "I'm not enjoying today. It's a very sad today but it's absolutely incredible that so many people have joined us tonight.

"What do you say at time like this? It's so difficult."

The pastor said: "I can't give you any answers. I don't have the answers. But each one of you is here to remember four people who are no longer with us.

"And it is a day that we'll all remember because this doesn't happen in Killamarsh."

Derbyshire Police said a 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with their deaths and was known to the family.

He remains in police custody on suspicion of murder.

"Heartbroken" dad pays tribute

John Paul and Lacey's father Jason Bennett said he was "heartbroken" on Monday as he laid flowers outside the house where they died.

He collapsed in tears and stayed at the scene for more than half-an-hour on Monday, clearly distraught and being comforted by a friend or relative.

Asked about his feelings as left, he said "heartbroken; million pieces; shattered".

Mr Bennett's parents Debbie and Trevor Bennett also arrived at the scene.

"We are just heartbroken."

They said their son was on holiday when he found out about the tragedy.

She said both children loved football, Lacey was a "proper" girl and John enjoyed his computers.

She said: "I don't know how he'll Jason come through this. "

"He's going to need a lot of strength."

Derbyshire Police "did not" have prior contact with family

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: "This has been an understandably shocking event that has deeply affected the local community in Killamarsh, as well as Connie's family and friends in Sheffield, and our thoughts are also with them."

"I would also like to state my thanks to those officers who arrived at the scene with such speed as well as colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service who attended the incident."

"All acting with immense professionalism in such a difficult situation."

"While understandably worrying and upsetting this is believed to be an isolated incident in which those involved were known to one another and nobody else is being sought in connection with the deaths."

"The force did not have any prior contact with those involved."

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