Community in shock over incident
“YOU just don’t expect something like this to happen here.”
The old cliché has never been more poignant than in Hinckley recently as the community struggles to come to terms with the tragedy on Welwyn Road.
Shocked strangers came together in a moment of despair to light candles, tie ribbons and lay flowers to say goodbye to the two children whose lives were taken far too early.
As the town searches for answers, residents have told of their horror of hearing the dreadful news.
Teresa Reid, who lives opposite the Welwyn Road home, said: “People know each on this street. Nothing like this happens here.
“It is a shock. It is so sad. They were a normal family. I saw them coming and going and we would say ‘hello’ and ‘how are you?’ across the road.
“They were good neighbours. I am just very sorry.”
A different neighbour said: “I just can’t believe what’s happened, it’s terrible. Those poor, innocent children, they don’t deserve this.
“My heart breaks for those poor kids. I have never seen them and I wouldn’t recognise them if they walked by my house. But I just wish somebody could’ve helped the children.”
Another resident added: “I wouldn’t have thought of this happening in Welwyn Road. You see things like this on television and you think ‘how awful’. But you don’t think it could happen on your doorstep.”
Sophie Hamlett added: “Those poor children, will be thinking of them, their family and friends.”
A dozen bunches of flowers with loving messages were laid in front of the house last week.
One card read: “So sad. Rest in peace, little ones.”
Another card read: “Such a sad loss. With love from staff at Tesco.”
Candles were also lit overnight on Wednesday and stood burnt out on the driveway of the home days later. Red, white and blue ribbons were tied to railings outside St Mary’s Church and St Mary’s Primary School where the two children attended.
Their classmates stood side by side in the playground for a minute’s silence at the end of their lunch break on Thursday.
Headteacher Rachel Ayres said: “Everyone at St Mary’s is devastated by the tragic news about our pupils, Adam and Matthew, and our sincere sympathies are with their family and friends.”
Councillor Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “I’m extremely saddened by the events in Hinckley. To lose two young children is tragic and I’d like to send my condolences to all those who knew the boys.”
Chief constable Simon Cole, from Leicestershire Police, said: “Hugely grateful to team Leicestershire Police and for support from partners and local people. So much hard work during a sad and challenging week.”
Lord Willy Bach, Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, also thanked officers for their “courage, dedication and professionalism”.
He added: “The shocking, and tragic, series of events of the past few days have placed extraordinary demand on our services, strained our resources and tested our response strategies but the exceptional commitment of Leicestershire Police’s officers, staff and volunteers has shone out amid the challenges.”