Murder probe launched after woman and two children die in Kettering

Man, 52, arrested, and police not seeking anyone else

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of a woman and two children in Kettering.

Northamptonshire Police was called to Petherton Court at around 11.15am on Thursday, where they found the woman and a boy and girl, understood to be aged six and four respectively, with serious injuries.

The woman died at the scene despite treatment from paramedics and the two children died later in hospital.

A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and is in police custody, the force said.

Officers are not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Forensic post-mortem examinations to establish the cause of death will be taking place in the coming days.

The area around the flats has been cordoned off, according to the Northamptonshire Telegraph. Forensics officers are on the scene and a flatbed truck took away a Vauxhall Zafira, the local website reported.

Local policing area commander Superintendent Steve Freeman said: “There are no words to describe how upsetting this incident is but I want to reassure the public that we have a team of detectives working on the case, absolutely determined to get justice for this woman and the two children.

“The man we have arrested is currently being questioned by detectives in custody. However, anyone with any information is encouraged to contact us.

“We understand that the local community, and indeed many people across the country, will be shocked by this event.

“It is a desperately sad incident and I want to be absolutely clear on our unwavering commitment in establishing what has happened here and in seeking justice for this woman and these young children.”