Father detained for questioning in Fife double killing

Published on Monday 5 May 2008 17:59

THE father of two family members who were killed over the weekend has been held for questioning, police in Fife said this afternoon.

Robert Thomson was being detained after the discovery of his daughter Michelle, 25, and son, Ryan, seven. The two were found dead in Thomson's Buckhaven home on Saturday evening.

Mr Thomson, 49, was taken into custody today after being discharged from Dunfermline's Queen Margaret Hospital. He received medical attention after his children's bodies were found.

Detective Superintendent Alastair McKeen, speaking at a press conference in Glenrothes, did not disclose the nature of the siblings' injuries but said they suffered a "particularly violent" death and did not elaborate on the injuries suffered by their father.

"We are currently carrying out a thorough forensic examination of the house," Mr McKeen said. ""It has been a particularly harrowing experience for everyone involved in the investigation."

Chief Inspector Andy Morris added that the police are continuing to support the family and working with counsellors and other agencies to provide reassurance to the community.

"We have been heartened by the excellent response from residents to yesterday's appeal," he said. "It has provided us with some valuable information which will assist us with the investigation."

He added that additional community police officers would be in the area to provide support and invited locals to contact Levenmouth police station where staff would be happy to assist.

Mr McKeen stressed that the man's detention was "some way short of arrest" and that nobody had been charged yet in connection with the crimes. Police said Mr Thomson will be questioned tonight.

The investigation team continued to "keep an open mind" as the inquiry progressed but Mr McKeen added: "I can confirm there are no specific lines of inquiry in relation to other individuals at this stage that are being prioritised."

Last night, neighbours said there had been marriage problems between Thomson and his wife, June.

One family friend, laying flowers outside the house, said: "A couple of weeks back, June left him, but she had come back to try and patch things up."

She added: "My daughter cared for their daughter, Michelle, and was engaged to their eldest son, Shaun, so we knew the family quite well. I don't know what would bring someone to do something like this; it's just horrible to think."