Police launch murder investigation following deaths of mother and two sons
Update 13 July: Devon and Cornwall Police investigating the tragic deaths of Katherine Hooper and her two sons Josh Patterson and Sam Patterson have confirmed that the family had been the subject of a Safeguarding Partnership intervention and a serious case review would be launched.
The Safeguarding Partnership, an alliance including the council, NHS and the police, is alerted if a person is thought to be in need of community care services because of mental illness or abuse.
Police say that the partner agencies are assisting police with the investigation and further detail cannot be released at this time.
12 July: Police have launched a murder enquiry following the deaths of a mother and her son and the discovery of a third body - that of a two-year-old boy at the deceased woman's home address in Paignton.
Earlier on Friday (12 July), the woman and her young son were killed after falling from rocks at Haytor, Dartmoor near Newton Abbot.
Although no formal identification has taken place, the deceased female is believed to be Katherine Hooper who was 24-years-old, and the sons have been named as Josh Patterson aged five and Sam Patterson aged two.
Police and emergency services were called to what they initially described as a "serious incident" after a woman and a young boy had fallen from rocks in the vicinity of Haytor at 11.50am today (Friday 12 July). Police later confirmed the pair had died from their injuries.
Police, ambulance, the air ambulance, Dartmoor Rescue Group and the police helicopter attended the scene.
Following further police investigations at the woman’s address in Dukes Close, Paignton, the body of a two-year-old boy, also believed to be the woman’s son, was discovered.
The murder investigation is being led by the Force’s Major Crime Investigation Team and supported by local officers.
Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan said: “We are keeping an open mind about all three deaths, but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information or might have been in the Haytor area earlier today, Friday.”
Post mortem investigations on all three of the deceased will be carried out in due course and next of kin have been informed.
Police Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to assist the immediate family at this difficult time.
Police have issued a statement from the husband and father of the deceased, Mr Neil Patterson:
"On Friday evening I heard the devastating news that the three most important and cherished people in my life had been taken from me. I would gratefully appreciate for me and my family to be left alone to come to terms with this devastating loss and to grieve in peace."
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting log number 316 of 120713.
