Children's bodies found in car in East Sussex

Bodies of children found in car

A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of two children's bodies in a car in Heathfield, East Sussex.

The bodies of a boy and a girl, both aged under five, were discovered when officers broke into a car parked in Mill Close shortly before noon.

A woman was arrested after reporting an "incident" to police and was taken to hospital with "self-harm injuries".

Sussex Police said the woman and two children were known to each other.

Post-mortem examinations are due to take place on Thursday when the children's identities are expected to be released.

'Self-harm injuries'

The woman, who is believed to have connections with Surrey, was taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital with injuries, where she is said to be in a stable condition. Police are yet to interview her.

The car has been towed away for forensic examination.

A a police cordon has been put up around a three-storey detached house in nearby Sheepsetting Lane.

Jill Radford, 61, who lives in Sheepsetting Lane, said: "I think there used to be a couple living there until they separated. The house went up for sale sometime before Christmas.

"I think there were some young children living there. I could see there were often toys in the front garden."

Ms Radford said she did not know the family and did not think other neighbours were close to them.

Ch Insp Julia Pope said: "This is a very tragic incident, but I would like to reassure people that it is fully contained and there is no threat to anyone in the area.

"We will move to restore normality and access to Mill Close as quickly as possible."

Sussex Police have informed family members of the deaths.