Mother's killings 'seemed motiveless'

Detectives found the case "harrowing" to investigate

Angela Cannings, convicted of killing her two baby sons, did nothing to arouse suspicion said investigators.

Only Cannings would ever be able to explain what motivated her to suffocate the two babies, just weeks after their birth, they explained.

Speaking at a news conference after Cannings was sent to prison for life for killing Jason and Matthew Cannings, the senior officers said there had been no winners in the case.

Detective Sergeant Rob Findlay said Cannings had been "helpful" throughout their investigation.

'Sad and harrowing'

"She was clearly a caring mother, which makes it all the more difficult to investigate a case like this," he said.

"It brings home the tragic nature of the incidents that took place."

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Symes said the case had been "sad and harrowing" to investigate.

"The family has lost their babies, the father has lost his children," he said.

"You can't glean any satisfaction from a case like this, it's just tragic."

He explained even Judge Mrs Justice Heather Hallett, who passed sentence on Tuesday, found it difficult to send the case for trial.

"She said that if there was any case that should come before a jury, this was one of those cases," he said.