Mom accused of murder after 3 children found dead at London home

USPA News - A woman described as a "devoted" mother was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday after her three severely disabled young children were found dead at their house in London, police said. The woman`s husband and their older daughter were not at home.

Police were called at around 9:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday to a house in New Malden, a suburb in south-west London, after someone voiced concern about the welfare of the family. "Officers and ambulance service attended. The three children were pronounced dead at the scene," a Scotland Yard spokesman said. The victims were identified as a 4-year-old girl and two twin boys aged 3, but the causes of their deaths were not immediately known. The mother of the children, identified by British media as 42-year-old Tania Clarence, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries and later discharged. "She was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody at a south London police station where she remains," the spokesman added. `The Independent` newspaper said Clarence had been under "immense pressure" to look after her three disabled children, who were suffering from a genetic muscle-wasting disease that meant they were likely to spend their short lives in wheelchairs. The children also had trouble sleeping. "This investigation is at its very earliest stages and I am in close contact with the senior investigating officer and further detail will be provided as it becomes available," said Chief Superintendant Glenn Tunstall of Scotland Yard. "I would like to reassure the local community that we have made an arrest and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident." The Independent reported that Clarence`s husband and their fourth child, a 7-year-old girl who showed no signs of the condition, had spent time in the couple`s native South Africa but were returning to London on late Tuesday. "Specially trained detectives are currently supporting family members, who have requested that the media respect their privacy at this very difficult time," Tunstall added.