Deaths of three children in Staines being treated as murder, police say

The deaths of three young boys whose bodies were found next to their father’s at a house in Surrey last week are being investigated as murder, police have said.

Last Saturday, police discovered the bodies of Dominik, three, and Nikodem and Kacper Swiderski, both two, with their father, Piotr Swiderski, 31, at a property in Staines-upon-Thames at about 1.15pm.

The deaths of the children are being investigated as murder by the Surrey police and Sussex police major crime team, Surrey police said.

They added that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

The force completed a mandatory referral to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), due to previous police contact with the family, but the IOPC determined earlier this week that an investigation into this previous contact was not required.

Angelika Swiderska, the boys’ mother and Piotr’s wife, paid tribute to her “amazing husband” and “happy, active children” on Tuesday.

She said: “Piotr was an amazing husband and father to Kacper, Nikodem and Dominik. He loved us with all his heart and would have done anything for us. The children doted on their daddy.

“Our boys were happy, active children, full of life and happiness. They were always smiling and even when I looked sad, they would say: ‘Mummy smile like us.’

“We are grieving for them all and would like to ask for privacy as we try to understand why this tragedy happened. I would like to say a huge thank you to all our community for all the messages of condolence, flowers, cards, and teddy bears, and for all the kind words about our family.”

Shortly after the bodies were discovered, floral tributes were laid outside the home. One left last Sunday read: “Rest in peace, little ones. We will always think of you.”

Polish media reported that the family had returned from a trip to Poland a week before the incident, where they had spent part of the summer in Świniarsk, a village near Krakow.

The senior investigating officer DCI Kimball Edey said: “I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Dominik, Kacper and Nikodem for their loss.

“They will continue to be supported by specialist officers as our investigation continues. I would ask that their privacy is respected at what is a tremendously difficult time for them.”

Inquests into the death of Swiderski and the three boys will be opened and adjourned on 10 September, police said.