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Deaths of three children 'extreme tragedy' say family | |
(35 minutes later) | |
The father of three children found dead at their London home has returned from South Africa, as police continue to question his wife over the deaths. | |
Tania Clarence, 42, is being held on suspicion of murder after a girl, aged four, and twin boys, aged three, were found dead in New Malden on Tuesday. | |
The children were named as Max, Ben and Olivia Clarence in a statement released by solicitors on behalf of the family. | |
The statement said it was an "extreme tragedy" with devastating consequences. | |
Gary Clarence, who works as a director at City bank Investec, was on holiday with members of his family 100 miles north of Johannesburg when UK authorities told him about his children. | |
Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths. | |
The children had the life-limiting genetic disorder Spinal Muscular Atrophy. | The children had the life-limiting genetic disorder Spinal Muscular Atrophy. |
Police say post-mortem examinations will take place at Great Ormond Street later. | |
Officers were called to the family home in Thetford Road at about 21:30 BST and found the children dead. | |
Mrs Clarence was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries and later discharged and arrested on suspicion of murder. | Mrs Clarence was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries and later discharged and arrested on suspicion of murder. |
She remains in custody at a south London police station. | She remains in custody at a south London police station. |
The statement from the Clarence family requested privacy following the deaths. | |
A close friend told the BBC Mr Clarence was in a "complete state of shock". | A close friend told the BBC Mr Clarence was in a "complete state of shock". |
The friend said the three children had Spinal Muscular Atrophy and the diagnosis when Tania Clarence was pregnant with twins had "hit the family very hard" and been a "massive blow". | The friend said the three children had Spinal Muscular Atrophy and the diagnosis when Tania Clarence was pregnant with twins had "hit the family very hard" and been a "massive blow". |