Funeral for three found murdered

The funeral of a woman and her two sons, who are thought to have been stabbed by the boys’ father, who then killed himself, took place yesterday.

Mourners attended Rawdon Crematorium in Leeds for a service for Clair Smith, 36, and her sons, Ben, nine, and Aaron, one, who were found dead on Sunday, 11 December, alongside their father, Richard Smith, 37.

The family asked for the cremation to remain a private and family-oriented ceremony.

A murder inquiry was launched after police said the family were found dead together on a double bed in the fire-damaged main bedroom of their home in Pudsey, near Leeds.

Leeds coroner David Hinchliff confirmed Aaron had died from a stab wound to the neck.

Mr Hinchliff said Ben died from suffocation, while police said he had also been stabbed.

Mrs Smith died from a stab wound and “external compression to the neck”, while Mr Smith died from smoke inhalation.