Police investigate ‘murder-suicide’ as four die in Leeds

Officers discovered the bodies in a fire-damaged bedroom of a house at Sheridan Way in Pudsey at around 5.30pm on Sunday following the concerns of family members.

The two adults have been named locally as 37-year-old Richard and Clair Smith. The two children were aged nine and one. Detectives are believed to be treating it as a murder/suicide.

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor said: “Initially we had concerns regarding the release of harmful chemicals or gases. Following testing, we no longer have any concerns with regards to those working at the scene and we will continue our investigations today.

“Enquiries are at an early stage and I would ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the homicide team.”

West Yorkshire Police added that they are working with investigators to establish the cause of the fire. Post mortems are expected to be carried out later.

‘No sign’ of problems

The family moved to the area a few months ago, telling their friends they wanted more space for their growing family.

Dean Turnbull, a family friend, told Channel 4 News he visited the family home only last week. “They were brilliant. We had some cups of tea and coffee, a laugh and a joke. No signs of any problems.”

Tributes from shocked friends and neighbours have been pouring in all day. One card simply asked: ‘Why?’

Neighbours living nearby said the people who lived in the modern stone-built house were an ordinary family who had lived there for only a few months.

One woman who laid flowers at a police cordon said they were a “nice family,” who moved into the quiet residential area several months ago.

“From what I saw of them they were very fun-loving, kind and caring – full of life.”