Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Father and son who died in house in Leicester named by police

Police are continuing their investigation into the deaths of Lee Borrett, 41, and his son Timotej, five, but do not believe anyone else was involved.

Stephanie Wareham
Wednesday 26 July 2023 16:42 BST
Police outside a property in Hopyard Close, Leicester, after a five-year-old boy and a man aged 41 were found dead (Matthew Cooper/PA)
Police outside a property in Hopyard Close, Leicester, after a five-year-old boy and a man aged 41 were found dead (Matthew Cooper/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A man and his five-year-old son who died in a house in Leicester have been named by police.

Lee Borrett, 41, and his son, Timotej Borrett, were found unconscious at a house in Hopyard Close by Leicestershire Police after they were called at about 9pm on Monday.

The pair were declared dead at the scene.

The force said investigations are continuing, but officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

In a tribute released through Leicestershire Police on Wednesday, Timotej’s family described him as a “bright and creative” boy who will “be forever in our hearts”.

They said: “Timotej was very much loved by his mother and partner, and their families.

“He was very bright and creative. He always brightened the room everywhere he went.

“He was brave and strong and words cannot describe how much he will be missed.

“We hope he will now be at peace and he will be forever in our hearts.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski, senior investigating officer, said: “This is a devastating and incredibly traumatic incident and our investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances in relation to the deaths of Timotej Borrett and Lee Borrett.

“Following our inquiries so far, I can confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident and a file in relation to the incident will be prepared for HM Coroner.

“I understand the upset, distress and concern this tragic incident has caused. Specialist officers are supporting the families of Timotej and Lee and officers also remain in the area of Hopyard Close speaking to people and offering reassurance.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us and co-operated with us at this difficult time.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in