Dartmoor Deaths: Family Was Known To Agencies

Police investigating the deaths of a woman and her two sons in an apparent murder and suicide have confirmed the family were known to care agencies.

In line with procedure they said the inquiry would now be the subject of a Serious Case Review.

Katherine Hooper, 24, and her five-year-old son Josh Patterson, died after falling 100ft from rocks at Haytor, a Dartmoor landmark popular with walkers and climbers.

The body of her youngest son Samuel Patterson, aged two, was later found at the family's home in Dukes Close in Paignton.

Katherine Hooper and Samuel

It has emerged that Ms Hooper suffered from depression and apparently had a difficult relationship with the boys' father, Neil Patterson, from whom she was estranged.

In a statement, Mr Patterson, 52, said: "On Friday evening I heard the devastating news that the three most important and cherished people in my life had been taken from me.

"I would gratefully appreciate for me and my family to be left alone to come to terms with this devastating loss and to grieve in peace."

Josh was found dead with his mother

Devon and Cornwall Police said it had launched a murder investigation.

Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan said: "We are keeping an open mind about all three deaths, but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information or might have been in the Haytor area earlier today, Friday."

An air ambulance, a police helicopter and members of the Dartmoor Rescue Group were called to the scene at 11.50am.

Samuel's body was found at the family's home

Neighbour Tracey Cole told the Western Morning News: "The whole community is feeling utterly shocked and devastated. This is a close-knit community.

"I really don't understand what happened. Kat was totally and utterly devoted to her children."

But next-door neighbour Johnathan Grant told The Daily Telegraph Ms Hooper and Mr Patterson had had a fractious relationship and there had been an "almighty bust-up".

Mr Grant, 28, was reported as saying: "One night in May they got into a huge argument where there was an almighty bust-up.

A neighbour said Ms Hooper was a good mother

"Since then she has suffered badly with depression.

"Samuel was meant to be starting his first day at the local nursery yesterday.

"The boys were lovely and played with my girls. Kat had lived there for three years. It is sick, utterly sick, what has happened."

Mr Grant added that following the breakdown of her relationship, Ms Hooper became anxious and was unable to carry on her job at a local hotel.

The rocks at Haytor where Ms Hooper and Josh died

Last May police launched a major search and rescue operation after Ms Hooper suddenly disappeared with her two children.

After fears for their safety grew, officers called on the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team to help find them.

Twenty-four hours later, Ms Hooper was found reportedly covered in mud and suffering from dehydration.

She was then taken to hospital while her two sons were taken into care.

The family's home in Paignton

Ms Hooper, Josh and Samuel only moved back into their home in Dukes Close a fortnight ago.

Post-mortems are due to take place and next of kin have been informed, police said.

In the meantime, detectives say they would like to hear from anyone who saw Ms Hooper or her two children in the days running up to their deaths.

They are asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police via the 101 telephone number quoting log number 316 of 120713.

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