Killamarsh tragedy: Derbyshire’s Chief Constable thanks community for support in new statement

Officers were called to concerns for safety of people at a house on Chandos Crescent at around 7.25am on Sunday.

MORE: Killamarsh tragedy: Man charged with four murders after deaths of woman and three children

They found the bodies of 35-year-old Terri Harris, her daughter Lacey Bennett, 11, and son John Paul Bennett, 13, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, also 11.

Damien Bendall, 31, of Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, has been charged with four counts of murder.

Rachel Swann, Derbyshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, said officers and staff have been ‘working around-the-clock on this case’ and revealed the suspect was charged in the early hours of Wednesday.

She added: “My thoughts, and those of the whole force, remain with the families of those involved.

“Specially-trained officers continue to support the families at this incredibly sad and difficult time

“The loss of Terri, John Paul, Lacey and Connie has deeply impacted the whole community of Killamarsh and beyond.

“I would like to thank residents for the support they have given the investigation team over the past few days.

“I also want to remind the people of Killamarsh that my officers and staff will continue to patrol the area and you can approach them if you have any information you want to pass on.”

Tributes are continuing to pour in for those who died.

An online fundraiser – launched to help Jason Bennett pay for the funeral of his two children, Lacey and John Paul – has raised more than £20,000.

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