Man who stabbed children is ex-soldier Michael Pedersen who survived IRA bomb - Times Online

A man found dead with his two young children at a secluded rural spot was a former soldier who survived an IRA bomb attack on mounted cavalry 30 years ago, it emerged today.

The bodies of Michael Pedersen, 51, his son Ben, seven, and Freya, aged six were found in a rural hamlet near Andover, Hampshire, on Sunday evening after a walker came across an empty car and found the bodies nearby.

The two children had died from stab wounds and their father then took his own life.

Detective Superintendent Tony Harris said it was "one of the most tragic cases" he had ever dealt with, and that the force was providing support to the children's mother, who was estranged from Mr Pedersen.

Police believe that the incident happened after a visit to the children's grandfather, and have said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to their deaths.

Surrey Police have referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) because of some previous contact with Mr Pedersen.

Mr Pedersen survived the infamous 1982 Hyde Park terrorist attack on Sefton, a black gelding, when nail bombs went off just yards away from him.

Four soldiers and seven horses of the Household Cavalry died in the IRA attack as they made their way from Knightsbridge Barracks to Horseguards Parade for the changing of the guard ceremony.

Hampshire Police said members of the force's major crime team are working on the investigation and family liaison officers are working with her and other members of the family.

The alarm was raised by the children's mother, Erica, when she alerted police at 7pm on Sunday evening after Mr Pedersen had failed to come home with them at the arranged time.

The children's grandather, William Clifford, was with his daughter at the family home. He said that what had happened had been "extremely distressing" and that the family are "obviously devastated".

Both children attended the same school, Ashford Church of England Primary, where staff were said to be "deeply shocked" by what had happened.

The children lived in Ashford, Middlesex, a short distance from Staines. Mr Pedersen, who ran a small logistics firm, lived in Chertsey, Surrey, a short distance from the children's home. One neighbour said he had moved away from the family only recently.

Police were called to the scene at 6.15pm on Sunday by a member of the public who found the bodies in Newton Stacey, a small hamlet in a rural area between Andover and Winchester.

The area, which is made up of only a handful of cottages and country homes, is just over an hours drive from both the family homes. A navy blue Saab convertible was taken away from the scene yesterday [Mon].

Detective Superintendent Harris said: "We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this terrible incident and are working to establish what has led to these tragic deaths.

"We are treating this as an isolated incident and we do not believe anyone else was involved.

"The families of Michael, Ben and Freya have been informed and specialist family liaison officers from Hampshire Constabulary, and officers from Surrey Police, are working with them to provide support and keep them updated as the investigation progresses.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this extremely difficult time," he said.

Mr Pedersen was the registered director of a company called High Road Logistics, which also lists Erica Pedersen as a company secretary.

Both Ben and Freya were students at the Ashford Church of England Primary School in Middlesex, where staff said the two were "lovely children".

A member of staff at the school said: "We are deeply shocked, the relevant authorities are working with the school.

"We will be keep their mother, family and frineds in our thoughts and prayers."

The police said that the coroner has been informed and post-mortem examinations are due to take place shortly.