Drone footage shows Shiregreen murders house demolished to make way for memorial

Sarah Barrass and Brandon Machin killed brothers Tristan and Blake Barrass at their home on Gregg House Road in May 2019.

Property owners Sanctuary Group, who leased the house in Shiregreen to Barrass and Machin, made the decision to demolish the boarded-up building to make way for a memorial tree to honour the memory of Tristan, 14, and Blake, 13.

Barrass and Machin – who are half brother and sister – strangled their two teenage sons on May 24, 2019, after forcing them to take a cocktail of pills the night before failed to kill them.

Relief as Sheffield ‘horror home’ where tragic Tristan and Blake Barrass were killed is demolished

They also plotted to kill their other four children. They feared that any discovery of their secret incestuous relationship would lead to their children being taken away by social services.

Both murderers had suffered troubled childhoods themselves, and had been taken into care at young ages, the murder trial in November 2020 heard.

Barrass and Machin both admitted two counts of murder, five of attempted murder and one of conspiracy to murder six children.

The pair were sentenced to life in prison, and are currently serving a minimum of 35 years.

Sheffield woman’s horror as man kicked down door to cannabis farm near her home

The house stood as a permanent reminder of the tragedy for traumatised neighbours and residents for nearly two years.

Following lengthy consultations, approval to demolish the house was given to owners Sanctuary Housing in July last year.

The firm said the decision to knock down the house was made in order to "help the local community move forward".

Locals expressed their relief the house has been demolished.

Nikki Walker said: “The house isn’t far from me and I’m glad to see it gone after what those vile creatures did to those poor lads.”

Lisa Kirk Taylor said: “I live about 10 houses up and every time I pass that house it brings it all back what happened and it’s really upsetting.

“It’s nice what they are doing but no matter what it will never be forgotten what happened there even though the house is gone.”

Carys Dixon said: “This will hopefully be a very lovely memorial garden for not only siblings and family members, but also the community that was rocked by such a horrible tragedy.”