Menu
20/05/2013
British Man Arrested Over Children's Deaths
A British man has been arrested on suspicion of killing his two children in France.
The 47-year-old divorced man, who has been named as Julian Stevenson by the Foreign Office, was held after the bodies of his son and daughter were found by police at his flat in Saint-Priest, Lyon.
Stevenson's daughter, aged five, and her brother, aged 10, were killed with a knife.
It is understood the accused had been looking after the children over the weekend. Stevenson is said to have split from the children's French mother three years ago, and the couple recently went through a bitter divorce.
The children lived with their mother after she won custody. It is believed the children were staying with their father for the first time at the weekend, who had visitation rights, but only in the presence of another person.
The children's mother is reported to have been worried about the visit and had come to find them when she saw her ex-husband in the stairwell of the four-storey block of flats. His clothes were reportedly stained with blood and she raised the alarm.
Neighbours subsequently reported seeing Stevenson flee the scene on roller skates.
He was arrested later on Saturday evening in the centre of Lyon, but news agency AFP said French prosecutors had not yet laid formal charges against him.
The agency quoted a prosecutor as saying: "We are presently holding back from the charge of premeditated murder but this could always change in the light of more testimony."
A UK Foreign Office spokesman said it was in touch with French authorities and would provide consular assistance.
Stevenson is believed to have been living in France for some time and was unemployed.
(JP/MH)
The 47-year-old divorced man, who has been named as Julian Stevenson by the Foreign Office, was held after the bodies of his son and daughter were found by police at his flat in Saint-Priest, Lyon.
Stevenson's daughter, aged five, and her brother, aged 10, were killed with a knife.
It is understood the accused had been looking after the children over the weekend. Stevenson is said to have split from the children's French mother three years ago, and the couple recently went through a bitter divorce.
The children lived with their mother after she won custody. It is believed the children were staying with their father for the first time at the weekend, who had visitation rights, but only in the presence of another person.
The children's mother is reported to have been worried about the visit and had come to find them when she saw her ex-husband in the stairwell of the four-storey block of flats. His clothes were reportedly stained with blood and she raised the alarm.
Neighbours subsequently reported seeing Stevenson flee the scene on roller skates.
He was arrested later on Saturday evening in the centre of Lyon, but news agency AFP said French prosecutors had not yet laid formal charges against him.
The agency quoted a prosecutor as saying: "We are presently holding back from the charge of premeditated murder but this could always change in the light of more testimony."
A UK Foreign Office spokesman said it was in touch with French authorities and would provide consular assistance.
Stevenson is believed to have been living in France for some time and was unemployed.
(JP/MH)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 March 2011
Mother Guilty Of Killing Her Children
An American mother has pled guilty to killing her children in her Edinburgh home. Theresa Riggi, from California, stabbed her eight-year-old twins Gianluca and Austin and their five year-old sister Cecilia in August 2010.
Mother Guilty Of Killing Her Children
An American mother has pled guilty to killing her children in her Edinburgh home. Theresa Riggi, from California, stabbed her eight-year-old twins Gianluca and Austin and their five year-old sister Cecilia in August 2010.
15 June 2010
Pub Fight Killer 'Guilty' Of Murder
A man who stabbed his victim to death in a pub car park last year after a fight has been found guilty yesterday. Lee Cooper, 25, stabbed David Stevenson in the rear garden area of the New Inn pub, Myrtle Road, Sutton, on Sunday 9 August 2009. Police were called to the pub at about 7.20pm on 9 August following reports of a fight at the location.
Pub Fight Killer 'Guilty' Of Murder
A man who stabbed his victim to death in a pub car park last year after a fight has been found guilty yesterday. Lee Cooper, 25, stabbed David Stevenson in the rear garden area of the New Inn pub, Myrtle Road, Sutton, on Sunday 9 August 2009. Police were called to the pub at about 7.20pm on 9 August following reports of a fight at the location.
11 May 2012
Mother Arrested On Suspicion Of Murdering Her Two Children
A mother has been arrested on suspicion of murder after her two children were discovered dead at their home in south-west London. Her husband Jeff found their 10-week-old boy and 14-month-old sister, Lily Sky Boots, unconscious when he arrived home on Wednesday night.
Mother Arrested On Suspicion Of Murdering Her Two Children
A mother has been arrested on suspicion of murder after her two children were discovered dead at their home in south-west London. Her husband Jeff found their 10-week-old boy and 14-month-old sister, Lily Sky Boots, unconscious when he arrived home on Wednesday night.
23 May 2013
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
19 April 2012
Children's Society Warns Benefit Changes Could Leave Children Hungry
A children’s charity has warned that plans to simplify the welfare system could result in thousands of England's poorest children missing out on free school meals. The meals are linked to low-income benefits that are among those merging into a single Universal Credit in 2013.
Children's Society Warns Benefit Changes Could Leave Children Hungry
A children’s charity has warned that plans to simplify the welfare system could result in thousands of England's poorest children missing out on free school meals. The meals are linked to low-income benefits that are among those merging into a single Universal Credit in 2013.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
