Murdered children were the brightest lights in my life, says grieving father

Elise, two, and three-year-old brother Harry Donnison were found dead on Wednesday. Initial post-mortem examination results revealed the pair were asphyxiated.

Their mother Fiona Donnison, 43, was arrested on suspicion of their murder and is in a stable condition at Eastbourne District General Hospital, where she is being treated for apparent self-inflicted wounds.

Her estranged husband Paul spoke of the nightmare of the past two days as he paid tribute to his "precious" children.

In a statement issued by Sussex Police, he said: "Harry and Elise were the lights that shone the brightest in my life and I am unable to begin to comprehend why this has happened to them.

"I love them with all my heart and they in turn gave me the

unconditional love that only a child can give a parent.

"Every day that I saw them was precious and wonderful but I had no idea just how precious. They were only babies and I was looking forward to watching them grow up and, with their mum, help them to live their lives."

Mrs Donnison, a former City worker, was arrested after she went to Heathfield police station in East Sussex in a distressed state just before noon on Wednesday.

When police forced entry to her silver Nissan car, which was parked near the former family home in Heathfield, they found the children's bodies in two holdalls.

Post-mortem examinations carried out at King's College Hospital in London confirmed the youngsters had been dead for less than 24 hours when their bodies were discovered.

Officers are still waiting to question their mother.

A family friend, who did not wish to be named, said Mr Donnison had previously expressed concern to police about his children's safety while under the care of his estranged wife.

Sussex Police refused to confirm whether Mr Donnison had spoken to officers about the care of the children, but said the force had "previous contact" with the couple.

Last night Mr Donnison said there could be "no justice" for the young children.

"That their lives have been taken away in the most cruel way that I am unable to understand," he said. "I trust justice will be done. But there will be no justice for Harry and Elise and for all their family and friends whose lives they enriched so enormously.

"I will always love Harry and Elise and will never let a day go by without thinking of their beauty and the joy they gave to me in their short lives.

"At this point I would like to thank my family, friends and the police who have supported me these last few days. Without their love, support and comfort I don't know how I would have carried on.

He ended the statement with the poignant message: "Sleep well little ones".