Kettering murder inquiry: Police name woman who died as NHS nurse Anju Asok
The victims of a suspected triple murder are thought to be an NHS nurse and her two young children, said police.
Anju Asok, 35, died at the scene in Petherton Court in Kettering, Northamptonshire on Thursday morning, and two youngsters believed to be her children - a six-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl - were found with serious injuries and later died.
Police said formal identification had not yet taken place but named Ms Asok, a staff nurse at Kettering General Hospital, and the two children as Jeeva Saju, six, and Janvi Saju, four.
A 52-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder over the deaths remains in police custody and is being questioned by detectives.
Jismi Chacko, a friend and colleague of Ms Asok's, said she and the hospital team were in shock.
"I know that she's gone from our side but she's not gone from our hearts," she said. "She will be there forever.
"We are all in real shock, and we can't imagine working without her. It's sad for us."
She described Ms Asok as "calm and collected", caring and hard-working.
On Friday morning, flowers and toys were left in tribute near the block of flats.
The children's school paid tribute to its two pupils.
Sarah Powell, head teacher at Kettering Park Infants, said: “We were all devastated to learn of the shocking incident involving two of our pupils.
"Janvi and Jeeva joined our school earlier this year. They were delightful and caring children who had many friends at our school. They will be sadly missed by us all. We would like to send our thoughts and condolences to all involved.”
Det Insp Simon Barnes said: “We continue to work around the clock in order to progress this investigation and establish the timeline of events which led to these tragic deaths.
“Forensic post-mortem examinations will be taking place today and tomorrow, and our Neighbourhood Policing Team continue to be on patrol in the Petherton Court area today to offer reassurance to local residents.
"While we continue to process the scene of these murders, local residents will see an increased police presence and I am grateful for the support of the local community.
“We remain committed in seeking justice for Anju, Jeeva and Janvi, and although we are not seeking anyone else in connection with their deaths, I would still encourage anyone with any information to contact us, either by calling 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
The community in the area has reacted in shock, with nearby business owners telling ITV News Anglia to hear the news had been "heart-breaking".
Kettering General Hospital chief executive Deborah Needham said: “Yesterday we received the extremely upsetting news that one of our colleagues had died in circumstances being investigated by Northamptonshire Police.
“Anju Asok was an internationally trained nurse who joined our KGH family in 2021 and predominantly worked on Barnwell B - one of our orthopaedic wards.
“She was a committed and compassionate staff nurse, who was loved and respected by her dear friends and colleagues.
“All our thoughts are with her friends and family as they come to terms with this sudden loss.”
The hospital was offering appropriate professional support to her colleagues, she added.
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