'I'm lost and broken': Father pays tribute to two children found dead in house in Derbyshire
A father has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his two children, who are believed to have been found dead in a house in Derbyshire.
Four people were found dead at the home on Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh, near Sheffield, at about 7.25am on Sunday.
Derbyshire Police, who have launched a murder investigation, said a man is in police custody and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.
Jason Bennett, from Sheffield, said the bodies of his son John, 13, and daughter Lacey, 11, were discovered at the house, along with their mother – named locally as Terri Harris – and a friend of Lacey’s.
Mr Bennett wrote on Facebook: “Absolutely broken my heart into a million pieces.
“I’m writing this as I’m lost and broken on a four-hour drive back home having just received heartbreaking news that my beautiful boy John and beautiful daughter Lacey have been taken away from me.
Watch: Man arrested after four people found dead at Derbyshire house
“Life will never be the same. I love you both more than anything. I wish I could hold you and kiss you and tell you how much I love you. Thank you for making my world.
“I need my babies back. My angels.”
At the scene on Monday, the father of two children found dead in the house said he is “heartbroken” and “shattered”.
He collapsed in tears as he laid flowers at the police cordon around the property. He stayed at the scene for more than half an hour.
In one card with the flowers, Mr Bennett had written: “To Lacey, my TikTok queen, lost without you.
“Look after your big brother and don’t wind him up.”
In another card, he wrote: “To John, my beautiful son, keep your kind heart shining while the angels are looking after you for me.”
Asked about his feelings as left the scene, he said: “Heartbroken, million pieces, shattered.”
Mr Bennett’s mother and father Debbie and Trevor Bennett were also at the scene.
Mrs Bennett said both children loved football and that Lacey was a “proper” girl and John enjoyed his computers.
Speaking about her son, Mrs Bennett said: “I don’t know how he’ll come through this. He’s going to need a lot of strength.”
They said their son was on holiday when he found about the tragedy.
Four people have sadly died at a home in #Killamarsh today, and a murder investigation has been launched. Officers have been at the scene of the serious incident on Chandos Crescent which was reported around 7.25am. More information here: https://t.co/SHdpXwiE57 pic.twitter.com/UAlaefq58S
— Derbyshire Police (@DerbysPolice) September 19, 2021
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Routledge, who is leading the investigation, said: “We would really like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the early hours of this morning, or has any information which they think could help with our inquiries.
“No matter how small you think that information may be, please do get in touch with us.”
“It is understandably a worrying time for the community, and we would like to thank them for their patience and understanding at this time.
“Residents will continue to see a large police presence in the area, and patrols are being carried out for reassurance.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
One neighbour told the PA Media news agency: “I’m shocked. I think people will be devastated.”
The Outwood Academy City school in Sheffield said it was closed on Monday.
It tweeted: “It is with great sadness that the academy will be closed today.
“A tragic incident has taken place in the community involving three of our students. We will however be open to any students who need our support.
It is with great sadness that the academy will be closed today. A tragic incident has taken place in the community involving 3 of our students. We will however be open to any students who need our support. Continued…
— Outwood Academy City (@OutwoodCity) September 20, 2021
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this sad news.”
North East Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley offered his condolences following the “terrible and hugely tragic” incident.
“Terrible and hugely tragic news from Killamarsh this evening. Our condolences to the family and our thoughts are with them,” Rowley said on Twitter.
The Tory MP also paid tribute to Killamarsh as a “lovely” community” that would show its resilience “at this difficult time”.
Terrible and hugely tragic news from Killamarsh this evening. Our condolences to the family and our thoughts are with them.
I’ve been in touch with the Police again this evening and their investigations will continue in the coming days.— Lee Rowley (@Lee4NED) September 19, 2021
“Killamarsh is such a lovely, close knit and warm community and I know that many residents will be shocked & worried by the news,” he tweeted.
“This is believed to be an isolated incident with an arrest having been made. I’ve no doubt that the village will pull together at this difficult time.”
Watch: Four people found dead at house in Derbyshire