Mother and children, aged 7 and 8 slain in Northampton

A murder hunt was under way today after a mother and her two young children were found dead at their home.

A murder hunt was under way today after a mother and her two young children were found dead at their home.

Police alerted by concerned relatives said the three had died "violent" deaths.

The woman, in her early 30s, and her eight-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter, were discovered at their terraced house in Stockmead Road, Northampton, yesterday afternoon.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said inquiries were under way to trace the woman's husband, who has not been named.

She said relatives of the family had been contacted by neighbours who said they had not been seen for several days.

A Home Office pathologist was today investigating the deaths, while forensic officers examined the home.

Det Supt Chris Clough said: "The victims died a violent death."