Bodies of three children found in woodland

The bodies of three children and their father who went missing last week have been found at a remote beauty spot.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said officers searching for Ceri Fuller and his three children, who went missing in Milkwall last week, found four bodies near a quarry in Pontesbury, Shropshire.

It is understood the three children died from stab wounds while the father’s body was recovered from the bottom of a quarry.

Mr Fuller vanished with his children from the family home he shared with his wife Ruth

An officer from West Mercia Police made the grim discovery shortly before 10am yesterday in an isolated area of woodland, reportedly after Mr Fuller’s vehicle was found nearby.

Mr Fuller, 35, left his home last Thursday with his son Sam, 12, and daughters Becka, 10, and Charlotte, 6, who is also known as Charlie.

Gloucestershire Police appealed for sightings of the family, saying they were believed to have been travelling in a red Land Rover Freelander.

The Birmingham Mail reported that the three children died from stab wounds in the wooded area, 12 km from Shrewsbury.

The newspaper reported that Mr Fuller also died after apparently falling from a cliff at a quarry in the area.

In a statement, West Mercia Police, which is investigating the incident, said: “West Mercia Police are investigating the deaths of an adult and three children after the discovery of four bodies in the Pontesbury area this morning.

“The deputy coroner for Shropshire, Andrew Barkley, has been informed and officers have sealed off the area. Forensic examinations of the area will take place in due course.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance, a paramedic officer, and the Midlands Air Ambulance based at RAF Cosford attended the scene.

An ambulance service spokesman said: “Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save four people found at the scene, and all four were confirmed deceased.”

Neighbours of the family in Milkwall described their shock.

Janice Ayres, who lives next door in Station Rd, said: “Very, very sad, I just cannot say any more.

“I didn’t even know her name [mother of children].

“I have children of my own and I would just be devastated.

“I am surprised. They kept themselves to themselves.”