Two toddlers ‘killed by their father’

TWO CHILDREN had their throats cut during an attack by their father at the family home, an inquest has heard.

Pavinya Nithiyakumar, aged 19 months, and Nigash Nithiyakumar, who was three, were fatally wounded at their house in Ilford, east London, on Sunday April 26, Walthamstow Coroner’s Court heard yesterday.

Their father, named locally as newsagent Nithin Kumar, 40, was rushed to hospital with knife wounds and remains in a critical condition.

Opening inquests into the children’s deaths yesterday, east London area coroner Graeme Irvine was told by a court official: “On April 26 2020, Nigash was attacked by his father at the home address. His throat was cut.”

Coroner’s officer Jean Smyth added that Nigash died in hospital in Whitechapel at 7.42pm the same day after being rushed there by ambulance. A post-mortem gave the cause of death as an incised wound to the neck.

Ms Smyth added: “On April 26 Pavinya was attacked by her father at the home address. Her throat was cut and she died of her injuries at the scene. Life was pronounced extinct at 5.53pm.”

Her cause of death was also given as an incised wound to the neck. Both children were identified by their mother, named locally as Nisa.

An investigation into the case is ongoing, although Scotland Yard said it was not looking for anyone else.

Mr Irvine said: “I am satisfied in relation to both of these very, very sad deaths that an inquest is necessary.

“I am not going to fix a time for the inquest as I am aware there is an ongoing criminal investigation in relation to both those deaths. It may well be that the criminal investigation will supersede the coroner’s investigation.”