A triple murder investigation has been launched after the death of a woman and two young children in Kettering, Northamptonshire Police say.
The children are understood to be aged four and six.
Police officers were called at 11.15am on Thursday to an address where they found a woman and two children – a boy thought to be 6, and a girl thought to be 4 – with serious injuries.
Northants Police said that despite the best efforts of paramedics and police officers, the woman died at the scene and the children later died in hospital.
A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and is in police custody, officers say.
They say they are not seeking anyone else over the deaths, at Petherton Court in the town.
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, either by calling 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
“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.”
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