Cheltenham and Cotswolds killings: Children 'devastated' by parents' deaths

Valerie Warrington and her ex-husband Clive Warrington were found dead in different locations

The children of a divorced couple who were stabbed to death and found 15 miles (24km) apart have said they were devastated.

Clive Warrington, 67 was found at Sherborne Place in Cheltenham at 06:25 GMT on Wednesday.

Shortly afterwards officers discovered the body of his ex-wife, Valerie Warrington, 73, at a property in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.

A man from Cheltenham has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Magistrates granted an additional 36 hours of detention earlier which followed a 12-hour custody extension by police on Thursday morning.

Supt Roddy Gosden said people would understandably be shocked to hear of the murders

The pair's children thanked well-wishers for the outpouring of love and support they have received.

In a statement released earlier, they said: "We are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of our parents.

"We thank everyone for their messages of love and support, which are of great comfort to us.

"We would like to request privacy at this time so that we can come to terms with what has happened and grieve in peace with the rest of the family."

Valerie Warrington and her ex-husband Clive Warrington were both found dead in different locations

Supt Roddy Godden, of Gloucestershire Police, said on Wednesday the man was known to the victims and they were not currently looking for anyone else.

He said the thoughts of the police force went out to the family "at this devastating time".

Tributes have been paid to the pair, with Ms Warrington described as a "lovely" and "warm" lady by a colleague.

Surgeon Charlie Chan worked with her for 13 years at Cheltenham General Hospital, where she was his personal assistant.

Police officers will be in the local communities over the coming days to provide reassurance

Charlie Chan paid tribute to Valerie Warrington, who was his PA

Writing on Facebook, he said: "I am totally heartbroken at this news.

"Val was my PA for 13 years and we shared lots of happy times.

"Clive did work on our house and I watched their kids grow up.

"What has the world come to?"

Officers are continuing to examine the two separate scenes and cordons are expected to remain in place at both locations for a number of days.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Officers investigating the murder are continuing to examine evidence from two separate scenes