Parents ‘utterly devastated’ by killing of daughter and granddaughter in Leeds home

Sarah Laycock’s parents, Brenda and Chris, who are mourning both a daughter and granddaughter, thanked people for their good wishes and kind messages but asked to be left alone to grieve in peace.

The bodies of Ms Laycock, 31, deputy head at Wheldon Infant School in Castleford, and her daughter, Abigail Miller, eight, were found on Saturday.

Ms Laycock’s younger daughter, who is four, was also found at the scene and suffered minor injuries which required hospital treatment.

Last night, Ms Laycock’s, parents Brenda and Chris, released a statement which read: “We are absolutely devastated.

“We would like to thank everyone who has sent messages, cards and flowers.

“We are grateful to the police, especially the family liaison officers for all their support. We ask that our privacy is respected.”

Ms Laycock’s partner John Miller, 36, was arrested at a nature reserve several miles from their home in Kirkby Avenue, Garforth, Leeds, and yesterday a police spokesman said he was continuing to receive treatment in hospital. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, but detectives have yet to question him over the incident.

The bodies of Ms Laycock and Abigail were discovered at their semi-detached home on Saturday by police following the incident at Fairburn Ings.

Tracey Lake, headteacher at Wheldon Infant School, has said: “Sarah was a much-loved part of this school community and was highly respected by her colleagues and all the children. Her loss will be deeply felt throughout the school.”

Jillian Sabourn, headteacher at Ninelands Primary School, where Abigail was a pupil, said: “Abigail was a thoughtful child who would regularly help other children. The school are absolutely devastated she will no longer be with us.”