Murder probe after family found dead in UK

Police in Britain have launched a murder inquiry after the bodies of two adults and two boys were found in a house.

Richard and Clair Smith and their children Ben, nine, and Aaron, one, were found in a fire-damaged upstairs bedroom of their house in a cul-de-sac in Pudsey, near Leeds, late yesterday afternoon.

Detectives are thought to be treating it as a case of murder/suicide. No one else is being sought.

Mr Smith, 37, and his 36-year-old wife are thought to have moved into the modern stone-built house a few months ago.

Part of Sheridan Way where the house is located was initially cordoned off amid fears that dangerous chemicals might be present.

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor of the West Yorkshire Police homicide and major inquiry team said: “Initially, we had concerns regarding the release of harmful chemicals or gases.

“Following testing, we no longer have any concerns with regards to those working at the scene and we will continue our investigations today.

“Inquiries are at an early stage and I would ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the homicide and major inquiry team.”

The tragedy comes just days after a police officer who had been dismissed by his force attacked his family before apparently killing himself.

Toby Day is thought to have killed his primary school teacher wife Samantha and youngest daughter Genevieve, six, in a frenzied attack at their home just days after he was sacked by Leicestershire Police.

He also attacked their other children Kimberley, 15, and Adam, 13, before taking his own life at their home in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, on Thursday.

Police and scientific support officers were still at the Smith family’s home today.

A police spokesman said officers were called to the house at about 5.30pm yesterday.