Children found dead all aged under four – police

Police said the force was working to establish what had happened

PA Media Image shows a semi detached brick house with a tree in the front garden. there is a car and a police van parked outside — Police said the force was working to establish what had happened

Three children who were found dead at a house in Surrey were all aged under four, police have said.

The youngsters were found alongside the body of a man in Bremer Road, Staines, on Saturday, and officers have confirmed that all four were related.

Neighbours said they believed a young Polish family with three boys, including twins, lived at the house, where a tribute outside said: “Rest in peace little ones. We will always think of you.”

Police said post-mortem examinations and formal identification would take place in due course.

Flowers have been left in Bremer Road, near a property where the bodies were found

Paul Murphy-Kasp/BBC Four bunches of flowers seen on the pavement and propped against a brick wall. — Flowers have been left in Bremer Road, near a property where the bodies were found

Surrey Police said it was called by the ambulance service to Bremer Road, Spelthorne, at about 13:15 BST on Saturday.

The force said it was investigating and had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), due to previous contact with the family.

It said at this stage, officers believed it was an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.

The mother of the children and next-of-kin are aware of what has happened and are being supported by specialist officers, police said.

Det Ch Insp Gareth Hicks, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a truly tragic incident and a thorough investigation is under way to establish exactly what happened.

“We would like to thank the local community for their support and understanding whilst we have been conducting our enquiries.

“We can also now update that whilst Bremer Road was closed for a significant amount of time yesterday, it has now fully reopened and there will continue to be a police presence in the area for the foreseeable.”

Surrey Police has referred itself to the police watchdog

PA Media Image shows flowers balanced against a wall near a police car — Surrey Police has referred itself to the police watchdog

Lisa Townsend, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said she was being kept regularly updated by senior officers as the investigation progressed.

She added: “My thoughts are with the family, friends and local community.”

A spokesman for the IOPC said on Saturday it had been notified by Surrey Police about the “tragic incident”.

They added: “We will be assessing a referral from the force to decide whether any action is required by the IOPC.”

Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council, said: “Everyone at Surrey County Council is devastated to learn of the tragic loss of life in our community, and our thoughts are with those who knew the family.

“I would encourage people not to speculate on the circumstances, and let Surrey Police carry out their investigations.”

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.