Mother and child found dead at Dartmoor as body of second child is discovered at house
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Police have launched a murder investigation after a mother and her son are found dead at Dartmoor and the body of a second child is discovered at the family's home.
The 24-year-old woman, named in reports as Katharine Hooper, and her five-year-old son died after falling from rocks at one of Dartmoor's most famous walking and climbing landmarks.
The body of a two-year-old boy was later discovered at her home address in Dukes Close, Paignton.
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation led by the force's major crime investigation team.
Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan said: “We are keeping an open mind about all three deaths, but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information or might have been in the Haytor area earlier today, Friday.”
An air ambulance, a police helicopter and members of the Dartmoor Rescue Group were called to Haytor in Devon at 11.50am on Thursday.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority has asked members of the public to avoid visiting the area following the tragedy.
Tributes were paid to the mother and child by members of the emergency services.
The Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team tweeted: “The team were called to assist at a tragic incident at Haytor today.
“Our thoughts are with the family.”
Post-mortem examinations are due to take place and next of kin have been informed, according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting log 316 of 120713.
Additional reporting by PA