Hinckley deaths: Vigil to remember family

David Stokes and his sons Adam and Matthew were found dead on Wednesday morning

Hundreds of people have attended a vigil to remember two young boys found dead with their father at a house in Leicestershire.

Police said they believe them to be 43-year-old David Stokes and his children Adam, 11, and Matthew, five.

Mr Stokes' wife, Sally, 44, was injured during the incident on Welwyn Road, Hinckley, on Tuesday night.

Leicestershire Police said they were investigating but currently did not believe anyone else to be involved.

More on this and other Leicestershire stories

As police had been in contact with both the man and the woman during the evening, the force has informed the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Candles, flowers and ribbons have been left as tributes to the family

The vigil was held at St Peter's Roman Catholic church in Leicester Road, which is close to Welwyn Road.

Father Frank Daly said he felt the community needed a focus for its grief.

Ahead of the vigil, he said: "The first I knew what had really happened was when a parent in a terrible state came to the church, talking about the children.

"I feel it is necessary to offer the hospitality of the church at this time.

"It's not a time for memorials or recriminations but for people to come here and express their sorrow."

An area of remembrance has been set up at St Mary's church

The vigil was led by the Reverend John Whittaker who, Father Daly said, conducted the Stokes' wedding.

His church, St Mary's, has set up a special area of remembrance in a side altar with books of condolence and has invited the public to tie ribbons to a railing.

Flowers and candles have been left outside the family house

A cordon is still in place as specialist teams examine the house

Mrs Stokes is being treated in hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.

The two boys attended St Mary's CE primary school. Head teacher Rachel Ayres said: "Everyone is devastated by the tragic news about our pupils, Adam and Matthew, and our sincere sympathies are with their family and friends."

She said special assemblies will be held to support the children at the school, with specially trained staff available.

A post-mortem is due to be carried out.