Officers were called to Petherton Court in Kettering at 11.15am on Thursday where a woman, a boy believed to be aged six, and a girl believed to be aged four, were found with serious injuries.

The woman died at the scene despite treatment from paramedics and the two children died later in hospital.

Northamptonshire Police added officers are not currently seeking anyone else over the incident.

Local Policing Area Commander Superintendent Steve Freeman, said: "There are no words to describe how upsetting this incident is but I want to reassure the public that we have a team of detectives working on the case, absolutely determined to get justice for this woman and the two children.

"We understand that the local community, and indeed many people across the country, will be shocked by this event.

"It is a desperately sad incident and I want to be absolutely clear on our unwavering commitment in establishing what has happened here and in seeking justice for this woman and these young children."

Forensic post-mortem examinations to establish the cause of death will be taking place in the coming days.

A neighbourhood policing team will be on patrol at Petherton Court on Thursday night to provide reassurance to the community.