KILLAMARSH BREAKING: Man named as Damien Bendall charged with four counts of murder
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Police were called to a property on Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh at around 7.25am on Sunday morning amid concerns for the safety of those at the address.
Lacey Bennett, 11, and John Paul Bennett, 13, died alongside their mum, Terri Harris, 35, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, 11.
Damien Bendall is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court this morning.
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KILLAMARSH BREAKING: Murder suspect Damien Bendall will not appear in person in court today
Key Events
- Murder suspect Damien Bendall will not appear in person in court today
- A man named as Damien Bendall has been charged with four counts of murder
- The man arrested over the four murders was hospitalised with self-inflicted stab wounds
- The mourning father of two of the victims has left a touching floral tribute at the scene
Third child victim named as Connie Gent, aged 11
This afternoon Derbyshire Police Chief Constable Rachel Swann named the third child victim as Connie Gent, aged 11.
Tributes paid to mum Terri Harris
Tributes have been paid to mum Terri Harris after a man was arrested on suspicion of murdering her and three children in Killamarsh.
Terri’s friend Claire Greensmith paid tribute to her, writing: “R.I.P to a dear friend and her babies Terri Harris. I can’t believe what has happened. Stay safe hun, you and your babies.”
And others expressed their devastation over the deaths, with an old school friend saying: “I haven’t seen Terri since School. She was always a lovely person I’m so sorry.”
Killamarsh tragedy: Everything we know so far as murder probe continues after four people found dead
A murder investigation is continuing after four people died in Killamarsh, near Sheffield.
Click here to read everything we know so far.
Further floral tributes left by community
Police spotted searching parkland near crime scene
Mourning father leaves touching floral tribute
The father of two of the victims has left a touching floral tribute at the scene. His note reads: “To John, my beautiful son, keep your kind heart shining while the angels are looking after you for me. I will see you soon. Daddy loves you, fly high - so proud of what you achieved.”
The note also reads: “Lacey love you lots - Caroline x”
Vigil held for victims by Killamarsh residents
Dozens of Killamarsh residents joined a vigil for the four suspected murder victims this morning.
The father of two of the dead children later joined the gathering, in the park at the end of Birchland Drive, along with other devastated relatives.
He told those in the park that their vigil was beautiful, and that life was precious.
David Taylor, who runs Killamarsh street church, had organised the gathering among the picnic tables in a green space.
He said he felt it was important to come together today, and had invited others to join him.
When the victim’s father arrived, Mr Taylor prayed with him.
He said the number that had turned up showed the strength of the community, that pulled people together at times like this.
He said: “I think its important that we come together and be together as a community.”
He said a prayer for peace in the village, for the residents, and the family which had lost loved ones.
He said the church would be open today for those he needed it.
One resident who attended the vigil, mum of two Chloe Jones, said people had been shocked by what had happened.
“I just wanted to pay my respects,” she said. “I don’t know the family, but it is just awful.”
Another woman attended before going to leave flowers at Chandos Crescent. She held the flowers and a teddy bear.
She said: “I don’t know the family, but we are a close knit community. There is a feeling of shock and sadness.”
Drone photos show police outside Killamarsh home after four people were tragically found dead
These photos show police surrounding a home in Killamarsh, near Sheffield, after four people were tragically found dead.
See all the photos here.