Killamarsh tragedy: MP urges public not to speculate as he praises community for uniting during ‘very difficult times’

North East Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley has urged the public to be careful when posting comments online after four people in Killamarsh died over the weekend.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The bodies of Terri Harris, aged 35; her 13-year-old son John Paul; 11-year-old daughter Lacey and Lacey’s best friend Connie Gent, 11, who had been on a sleepover, were discovered in a house in Chandos Crescent on Sunday morning.

A 31-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remained in police custody last night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There has been an outpouring of grief within the Killamarsh community following the tragedy, with hundreds of people gathering at a vigil held last night in Baker Park to pay their respects to the four victims and support their loved ones.

Tributes continue to be left at Chandos Crescent, near to where the bodies were discoveredTributes continue to be left at Chandos Crescent, near to where the bodies were discovered
Tributes continue to be left at Chandos Crescent, near to where the bodies were discovered

In a Facebook post this morning, Mr Rowley praised those in the village for “comforting those who need it and supporting every one during difficult times.”

He also warned the public to be careful when posting comments about the incident online and to support police as the murder investigation continues.

Mr Rowley said: “As residents will know, more information was forthcoming yesterday about the tragic and terrible events in Killamarsh over the weekend. What happened was utterly heartbreaking and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims at this hugely difficult time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Along with so many other local residents yesterday, I paid my respects by laying flowers and then visiting St Giles Church to light a candle and offer my condolences. Local residents took part in vigils, too, which I know many found very moving.

North East Derbyshire MP, Lee RowleyNorth East Derbyshire MP, Lee Rowley
North East Derbyshire MP, Lee Rowley
Read More
Killamarsh tragedy: Devastated dad expresses heartbreak at deaths of son and dau...

“What happened over the weekend is still a very difficult thing for our community to come to terms with and I know it has shocked many of us. The village is such a close-knit and welcoming community and you never would think that tragic events such as this could happen where we live.

"The community needs time to work through what has happened and to grieve for those who have lost their lives.

“Yet, I’ve also seen Killamarsh, and the rest of North East Derbyshire, during times of adversity and you are doing exactly many of us knew you would - coming together, comforting those who need it and supporting every one during difficult times. Thank you so much to everyone for what you are doing.

The Killamarsh community held a candlelit vigil at Baker Park, close to Chandos Crescent on September 20.The Killamarsh community held a candlelit vigil at Baker Park, close to Chandos Crescent on September 20.
The Killamarsh community held a candlelit vigil at Baker Park, close to Chandos Crescent on September 20.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The coming days and weeks are likely to be tough at times and I know many are keen to talk about the investigation and see it progress. At the same time, it will take time for those investigations to complete and I know the community will give the Police the support and space to do that.

"I know it’s tempting to comment and draw conclusions but, for now, let’s focus on helping everyone through these very difficult times.

"Should anyone need anything, we are here to help and my office can be contacted on [email protected].”

As of 11am today, over £14,000 had been donated to an online fundraising page set up to help the families of the four murder victims in the wake of the tragedy.

Support your Derbyshire Times by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Click here to subscribe.