Wales:Two children were 'asphyxiated'
Two children found dead in their home in North Wales were both "asphyxiated'', a post mortem examination has revealed.
The children's father remained in custody today on suspicion of murdering his two children in the family home.
Caitlin Samuel (aged 5), and her three-year-old brother Aidan Samuel were attacked in their house in Bodelwyddan, north Wales, on Sunday night.
Their father, named locally as 35-year-old Perry Samuel, was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene.
Their mother, named locally as Sarah Graham, was not at home when the tragedy took place.
Detectives refused to comment on local rumours that the children – described by their grieving family as “little angels” – were drowned in the bath. The results of a post mortem examination are expected today.
The family released a statement describing the deaths as “incomprehensible“.
It read: “We cannot express just how much we loved our two little angels and how grief-stricken we are.
“Following Sunday’s tragic and incomprehensible incident, we are appealing for the breathing space we so desperately need to come to terms with this terrible life-changing situation in private so we can mourn in peace and with dignity.”
Well-wishers left flowers and cards outside the family home, a red brick end-of-terrace in Coronation Close, where two children’s bicycles lay abandoned outside.
A card read: “Two beautiful angels. Your beautiful smiles will be so sadly missed but will never be forgotten.”
Neighbours in the street of former Army homes spoke of their shock.
John Bairstow, who has lived there for 18 years, said: “This is a family-oriented area.
“There’s a lot of children, and they tend to play together in the road. It is terribly sad news, particularly as I’m sure this little boy and girl will have been well-known to the children and other families on this street.”
Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said Caitlin and Aidan were well-known in the area.
He said: “They used to come knocking on my door asking for sweets – they were very nice children.”
Bodelwyddan is close to the seaside resort of Rhyl but, according to residents, retains the feel of a traditional village.
Many of its occupants work in Glan Clwyd Hospital or in the Hotpoint washing machine factory.
Reverend Berw Hughes, vicar of St Margaret’s Church, said the sense of community meant the tragedy would be felt even more keenly.
He said: “Something like this would be difficult wherever it happened, but it will hit this community very hard because it is the sort of place where people still know and talk to each other.”
Both children attended Ysgol y Faenol school. Head teacher Martin Edwards said: “Our whole school community has been deeply shocked and saddened at this tragic loss.
“The two children were bright, popular and happy pupils and will be very sadly missed by their classmates and the staff at the school.”
