Killamarsh tragedy: ‘Don’t buy The Sun’ call after ‘disrespectful’ front page about deaths

Thirty-five-year-old Terri Harris, her daughter Lacey Bennett, 11, and son John Paul Bennett, 13, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, also 11, died at a house on Chandos Crescent on Sunday.

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A 31-year-old man – who was arrested at the property and taken to hospital with self-inflicted minor injuries – remains in police custody. Police have not officially identified him. Suspects are publicly identified when they are charged.

On Tuesday, The Sun and some other national newspapers used the same ‘shameful’ headline in their reporting of the tragedy. The Derbyshire Times has decided not to report the headline.

Louise Holehouse urged people not to buy The Sun.

“Giving a headline like that shows no respect,” she said.

“I'd like to think all their newspapers in Killamarsh shops are sent back to them at the end of the day unsold.

“I understand it’s someone’s job but printing headlines and photos the way they are is just disrespectful.

“We've treated all press with respect and allowed them to comfortably be around – for news to be translated into headlines like that.

“Be ashamed of yourself, The Sun.”

She added: “Our village is a close and loving community, and what has happened has affected so many.”

It is understood Killamarsh Co-op has removed The Sun from its shelves.

The Derbyshire Times contacted The Sun but the company declined to comment.

Tributes continue to pour in

Jason Bennett said the loss of his children, Lacey and John Paul, had ‘absolutely broken’ his heart into ‘a million pieces’.

Connie’s father said his ‘absolute world’ had been ‘taken away’.

Floral tributes have been left outside the crime scene as emotional messages continue to pour in online for the four who have died.

Hundreds of people attended a community vigil in Killamarsh on Monday night as a mark of respect.

An online fundraiser has been launched to help Mr Bennett pay for the funeral of his two children. It has already raised more than £16,000 and has a target of £20,000.

Detective Chief Inspector Sally Blaiklock who is leading the investigation said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of Terri, John Paul, Lacey and Connie – as well as the communities that have been affected by this most tragic of incidents.

“A large scene remains in place on Chandos Crescent and local residents will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, including patrols by officers in the local area.

“I would urge anyone who is concerned about the incident to speak to officers in the area or use the online reporting tool to pass information in confidence.

“Myself and the team of the detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in Chandos Crescent between 6pm on Saturday and 7am on Sunday, as well as anyone who may have video footage of the street.

“That can include dash-cam, mobile phone footage, CCTV or video doorbells.”

A special online portal has now been set up for people to report information or send footage directly to the force’s investigation team and can be accessed at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM21A24-PO1

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