Petition launched by South Yorkshire mum whose son's were killed by violent father gains 40,000 signatures

Almost 40,000 people have signed a petition calling on Government to stop avoidable child deaths.

It was launched by Claire Throssell, whose sons Jack, 12, and Paul, nine, died in a house fire started by their father Darren Sykes.

Sykes, who was separated from Ms Throssell, poured petrol throughout the house in Penistone, setting it on fire then locked himself and the boys in the attic in October 2014.

Her petition is calling to ensure family courts don't allow known abusers to continue having unsafe access that puts the lives of children and women in danger.

To sign the petition visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/child-first-safe-child-contact-saves-lives