Woman and two young children killed in Kettering named

A woman and two children who were killed in Northamptonshire have been named.

They were Anju Asok, 35, Jeeva Saju, six, and Janvi Saju, four, Northamptonshire Police said.

They were found with serious injuries at Petherton Court in Kettering on Thursday morning.

Despite the efforts of paramedics and police officers, Ms Asok, who was an NHS staff nurse, died at the scene – and the two children later in hospital.

A 52-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident remains in police custody and is being questioned by detectives.

Deborah Needham, chief executive of Kettering General Hospital, paid tribute to Ms Asok.

“She was a committed and compassionate staff nurse, who was loved and respected by her dear friends and colleagues,” she said.

“All our thoughts are with her friends and family as they come to terms with this sudden loss.”

Detective Inspector Simon Barnes appealed for anyone with information about the deaths to come forward.

He said: “We continue to work around the clock in order to progress this investigation and establish the timeline of events which led to these tragic deaths.

“Forensic post-mortem examinations will be taking place today and tomorrow, and our Neighbourhood Policing Team continue to be on patrol in the Petherton Court area today to offer reassurance to local residents.”

Local residents said they were shocked by the deaths.

Pierino Geranio, who runs his uncle’s barber shop near to the cul-de-sac where the incident happened, said: “You speak to people about it and they just can’t believe it.

“I come here every day to work and you never expect anything like this – it’s so tragic. It’s totally terrible, beyond comprehension.”

Flowers have been left near to the police cordon, alongside cuddly toys.

An unsigned note attached to one of the tributes read: “We were shocked and devastated by the news. The community will always remember this extremely sad and distressing incident. RIP. We hope you are in a better place.”