A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three young children believed to be suffering from life-limiting genetic disorders were found dead in a house.
Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths of the youngsters, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
Scotland Yard said the woman, named locally as South African graphic designer Tania Clarence, was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries before being discharged and arrested.
Neighbours said that the girl was wheelchair-bound and may have been suffering from spina bifida.
Her younger twin brothers were also said to be suffering from a genetic condition which meant they had mobility problems.
The father, banker Gary Clarence, was said by his employers Investec to be on holiday in South Africa with the couple's elder daughter, who does not suffer from health problems.
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "Tania is lovely, the most kind and thoughtful woman. She always cared for her children and is really lovely.
"I can't see why she would do anything like that to her children. When I heard what had happened, I was horrified but assumed maybe the three youngest had died because of their illnesses.
"Gary is very vivacious, very nice and worked in the City.
"They were a very normal couple, outgoing. A respectable middle class couple who doted on their children."
Neighbours said the family moved in about a year ago after extensive refurbishments to the house, including the installation of a lift, and had help from carers and a nanny.
Joy Devies, 86, said: "The children were handicapped but despite this they seemed perfectly happy. I don't think I ever saw the girl out of the buggy.
"The boys could walk a little bit. The oldest girl was alright.
"I last saw them a day or two ago and everything seemed fine.
"I definitely got the impression that they were good parents and they were a happy family.
"There was a lovely atmosphere in the home and you got the impression they were very happy."
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident."
The force has given no cause of death but post-mortem examinations will be carried out in due course.
Officers were standing on the doorstep of the address this morning.
I definitely got the impression that they were good parents and they were a happy family
Another neighbour described the younger children as "significantly disabled", but said the elder girl did not appear to have health problems and went to school in Wimbledon.
She said: "From speaking with Tania and seeing the children, I do not think they would have lasted a lifetime.
"They had two girls and two boys. Two of the boys were twins.
"The oldest child was about eight years old. They had recently spent a lot of money having the house refurbished and had installed a lift for the disabled children.
"He was an investment banker or something like that. She was a stay-at-home mum.
"They had a lot of carers going in and out and appeared to have a lot of support
"I've no idea what would have caused this to happen. They were a lovely family and appeared devoted to their children.
"Nobody would have expected this to happen. It's a complete shock."
"We do not know the facts at this time but our thoughts are with the Clarence family. We are doing all that we can to help Gary and his eldest child and ask that their privacy is respected."
Teddies, bouquets, pot plants and a child's skipping rope were laid on the driveway of the house this morning.
Another neighbour left a prayer, 23rd Psalm, which read: 'The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want'.
New Malden councillor Ken Smith said he was contacted by the family some months ago with concerns about the uneven pavement outside the house.
He said: "She absolutely doted on the children.
"When I spoke to the lady she was very, very concerned about the children and that they were looked after properly.
"This is a tragedy. What can one say? We don't know the full details."
Energy Secretary Ed Davey, the LibDem MP for Kingston and Surbiton, tweeted: "Awful news about the three children found dead in house in New Malden.
"Thoughts are with family, friends and neighbours."
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