Bodies In Burning Car Identified

Two bodies found in a burning car in a lay-by in Leicestershire have been identified as a mother and her teenage daughter.

The bodies of Fiona Ann Pilkington, 38, and her 18-year-old daughter Francesca Hardwick were found in the car, which was found ablaze in a lay-by off the A47, near Earl Shilton, on Tuesday night.

Police believe that Ms Pilkington killed her daughter, who was known as Frankie and suffered from severe learning difficulties, before killing herself.

Post-mortem examinations were carried out and police said that they were now satisfied that no-one else was involved in the incident.

On Friday, it was reported that Ms Pilkington had reported several cases of anti-social behaviour around her home, sparking allegations that mother and daughter may have been the target of bullying youths.

Police confirmed that there had been several arrested in the area for anti-social behaviour earlier this week, but that these arrests were not connected to the investigation into the deaths of Ms Pilkington and her daughter.

Detective Superintendent Chris Thomas said: "Following the results of yesterday's scene examination and the post-mortems we are satisfied that we do not need to look for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

"Our beliefs that this incident was a tragic case of murder and suicide have been borne out by the initial results but the ultimate decision clearly remains a matter for the coroner.

"The loss of loved ones in these circumstances is extremely distressing and our thoughts are with Fiona and Francesca's family at this time."

A statement issued through Leicestershire Police on behalf of Francesca's grandmother, who did not wish to be named, said: "As a family we are completely devastated by our loss. We are struggling to come to terms with what has happened and would like to be left along to grieve in private for Fiona and Frankie."

(KMcA)