Police name mother, two children and friend killed near to Sheffield

A mother, two of her children and their friend who were found dead near to Sheffield on Sunday have been named by police.

The bodies of 35-year-old Terri Harris, her two children, 11-year-old daughter Lacey Bennett and 13-year-old son John Paul Bennett, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, also 11, from Sheffield were found in Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh.

Derbyshire Police said they were called to concerns about a man in the road at 7:26am on Sunday, and arrived four minutes later.

Chief constable Rachel Swann said: "This has been an understandably shocking event that has deeply affected the local community in Killamarsh, as well as Connie’s family and friends in Sheffield, and our thoughts are also with them."

"While understandably worrying and upsetting this is believed to be an isolated incident in which those involved were known to one another and nobody else is being sought in connection with the deaths."

"The force did not have any prior contact with those involved. "

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Father pays tribute

The father of John and Lacey Bennett, said he was "heartbroken" and "shattered" after he laid flowers at the house.

Jason Bennett collapsed in tears and was comforted by a friend or relative and stayed at the scene for more than half an hour.

Asked about his feelings as left, he said: "Heartbroken; million pieces; shattered."

"Tragic incident"

Meanwhile, nearby school Outwood Academy School has closed after a "tragic incident" involving three of its students.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the school said it was "working with the police" and its "thoughts are with all those affected".

Becky Poole, from Killamarsh, who was also laying flowers said: "I'm just absolutely heartbroken.

"I also a swimming teacher and I knew the kids.

Ms Poole said she has been campaigning against violence against women following other incidents in north Derbyshire.

She said: "Three children there. What can I say? It shouldn't happen.

"I know nobody knows the full story but what can we do? Something needs to be done about violence.

She said: "I've just been down to Aldi there's people buying flowers and talking about it.

"It's Monday morning. Those kids should be going to school but they're not."

One man living close by said: "I'm shocked. I think people will be devastated."

North East Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley offered his condolences following the "terrible and hugely tragic" incident.

"Terrible and hugely tragic news from Killamarsh this evening. Our condolences to the family and our thoughts are with them," Mr Rowley said on Twitter.

The MP also paid tribute to Killamarsh as a "lovely" community" which would show its resilience "at this difficult time".

"Killamarsh is such a lovely, close knit and warm community and I know that many residents will be shocked & worried by the news," he tweeted.

"This is believed to be an isolated incident with an arrest having been made. I've no doubt that the village will pull together at this difficult time."

In a post on Facebook, St. Giles Church in Killamarsh said it was welcoming visitors who've been affected by the news, and will provide a safe space for prayer and to light a candle.

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