The mother of three young boys found dead in a house in Surrey has paid tribute to her sons who were “full of life and happiness”.
On Saturday, police discovered the bodies of Dominik, three, Nikodem, two, and Kacper Swiderski, also two, with their father, Piotr Swiderski, 31, at a property in Staines-upon-Thames at about 1.15pm.
Angelika Swiderska – the boys’ mother and Piotr’s wife – issued a statement through Surrey police 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 on 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.
Shehr Sikandari, who lives next-door to the victims, told Metro that he heard “horrific screams” shortly before the police arrived. “It is unbelievable and traumatic, what we have heard,” he told the newspaper. “We are still in shock. Three lovely children – we have seen them playing.
“They were full of life. They often used to go for a walk in the park or a stroll. The woman, she was screaming. They were quite horrific screams and everyone came out to see what was happening.”
An investigation has been launched by Surrey police. The force said previously that detectives believe it to be an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.
DCI Gareth Hicks, who is leading the investigation, added: “This is a truly tragic incident and a thorough investigation is under way to establish exactly what happened.”
Surrey police have also completed a mandatory referral to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, due to previous police contact with those involved.
