Woman charged with murdering her three children

The mother of three children found dead in their home has been charged with their murder.

Theresa Riggi was arrested and charged over the deaths of her eight-year-old twins Augustino and Gianluca Riggi and their five-year-old sister Cecilia last night.

Their bodies were found in their home in Edinburgh following reports of an explosion on Wednesday.

Mrs Riggi, 46, was found injured in the street after apparently falling from the second floor of the building.

She was taken to Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary Hospital where she remains in a "serious stable" condition.

Because of her medical condition it is not known when she will appear in court.

The children's father Pasquale Riggi said the deaths of his three "beautiful" children was an "immense and tragic loss".

He was traced to an address in Aberdeen following the deaths.

He said: "Thanks to all who have offered such great comfort and support. We request that the media respect our privacy at this difficult time."

The family came from California and Colorado and Mr Riggi has worked for Shell since 1987.

He has been in Aberdeen for a number of years and in the country for 13 years.

A warrant for Mrs Riggi's arrest was issued by Edinburgh Sheriff Court following the results of post-mortem examinations on the bodies of her three children yesterday.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "A 46-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the petition warrant which was granted earlier today.

"Due to the medical condition of the accused, it is not at this time known when she will appear in court."