Man and children found dead in flat

Police have launched a major investigation after the bodies of a man and two young children were found at a flat.

Officers were called after paramedics made the grim discovery in Auchinleck House in Sidbury Heights, Tidworth, Wiltshire. Inside they found the body of a man, thought to be in his 30s, in one room and those of two young children in another room.

Police said they were treating the deaths as suspicious but were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

The property has been cordoned off and a full forensic examination was being carried out by crime scene investigators and a pathologist. The Wiltshire coroner has been informed and post-mortem examinations will be held.

The police investigation is being led by Det Chief Insp Ian Saunders, of the Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team. An incident room has been set up at Marlborough police station.

Mr Saunders said: "We believe we know the identities of the people who have died but formal identification has not yet taken place. At this early stage we cannot be sure what has led up to this terrible incident, but I can say that we are treating the tragic deaths of the two children as suspicious. I am not looking for anyone else at this time in connection with this incident.

"The mother of the children has been informed and we are seeking to contact other family members. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have died."

Officers have been speaking to witnesses and residents but are appealing for the public to come forward if they can help with any information.

Mr Saunders said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the seven days since last Saturday in the area of Auchinleck House and the surrounding area."

People with information are urged to contact police via the 101 telephone number or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.