Priest pays tribute to gas death siblings

THE parish priest in charge of the school attended by brother and sister Kim and Harry Wallwork, who were found dead with their father at their home, has paid tribute to their loving relationship.

Fr Joe Caulfield, chairman of the board of management of Mullaghroe National School in Gurteen, Co Sligo, recalled that Kim, 12, and Harry, nine, in sixth and fourth class respectively, were “always happy and full of energy. They got great support in the school.”

The children died in their home along with their father, Trevor, 50, on Sunday night.

Gardaí said postmortem examinations indicated that carbon monoxide poisoning may have caused the deaths.

Trevor, the children and their step-mother, Sue, came to Gurteen from Britain six years ago. Sue’s daughter Vicky, 22, travelled with them too. She found the bodies when she called to her stepfather and step-siblings on Sunday.

Yesterday, the investigation continued at the bungalow where the tragedy occurred. A gas canister was removed.

Gardaí are investigating if carbon monoxide came from the coal fire which was burning in the sitting room.

Funeral arrangements are uncertain but it is understood that Sue Wallwork, who is ill in Sligo hospital, wants the bodies to be brought back to Britain.