A soldier who survived an IRA bombing stabbed his two children to death before killing himself in a countryside bridleway.
The bodies of Michael Pedersen, aged 51, and his children, Ben Pedersen, seven, and Freya Pedersen, six, were found next to a Saab 900SE convertible car.
The heartbreaking discovery was made in a tiny lane at Newton Stacey, near Andover, Hampshire, at 6.15pm yesterday.
Police suspect the father, who was believed to have split from his wife Erica just two weeks ago, stabbed the youngsters before killing himself.
The children died from stab wounds.
No-one else is being sought in connection with the deaths, police said.
Mr Pedersen was a former army sergeant who survived a devastating IRA bomb blast in central London 30 years ago, it has been reported.
In 1982, he was a member of the Household Cavalry unit that was hit by an IRA nail bomb in Hyde Park as it took part in a changing of the guard ceremony, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Four soldiers and seven horses were killed in the explosion, which left Pedersen’s horse Sefton seriously injured.
Despite 34 separate wounds that required eight hours of surgery, the animal survived and became famous for battling against the odds.
Sefton became a symbol of the struggle against the IRA and won the Horse of the Year, a prize Sgt Pedersen picked up on his behalf.
The police spokesman said the coroner has been informed and post- mortem examinations are due to take place later.
Detective Superintendent Tony Harris said: “We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this terrible incident and are working to establish what has led to these tragic deaths.
“We are treating this as an isolated incident and we do not believe anyone else was involved.
“The families of Michael, Ben and Freya have been informed and specialist family liaison officers from Hampshire Constabulary, and officers from Surrey Police, are working with them to provide support and keep them updated as the investigation progresses.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this extremely difficult time and I would ask that they be allowed to come to terms with what has happened in a dignified and respectful way.”