Bodies of children and a man found in Shropshire

Detectives investigating the deaths of three children and their father at a beauty spot have recovered a knife.

The bodies of Sam Fuller, 12, and his sisters Becka, aged eight, and seven-year-old Charlotte, who was known as Charlie, were found in isolated woodland yesterday. It is believed they died from knife wounds.

The body of their father Ceri Fuller, 35, was found nearby at the Poles Coppice on Pontesbury Hill, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He is thought to have fallen from a cliff.

West Mercia detectives have launched a murder investigation but described the deaths as a ``tragic family situation'' and are not looking for anyone else.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, who is leading the investigation, said: 

``I can disclose that a weapon has been recovered from the scene.

``Officers involved in the search found a knife in the vicinity of where the bodies were found.

``It will now be forensically examined.''

Mr Jamieson said the old quarry and surrounding woodland would remain cordoned off as officers continue a detailed search of the area.
Post-mortem examinations will be conducted this afternoon by a Home Office pathologist and may not be concluded until tomorrow, the detective confirmed.

Anyone with information for the inquiry should contact West Mercia Police by dialling 101.