Father in tribute to killed Leicester woman Joy Small

Joy Small was described as a 'lovely, lively person'

The father of a woman found dead with her two children has said he is devastated by her death.

Kevin Wathall said he was struggling to come to terms with losing Joy Small, 24, and her daughter and son.

The bodies of Ms Small and son Aubarr, three, and daughter Chanarra, two, were found in Leicester on 12 February.

The discovery came after the body of her former partner Aram Abdul Razaq Aziz, 32, was found at Watermead Country Park in Leicester.

It is thought he killed his family, then took his own life.

'Very special'

Police said their investigation was continuing and although post-mortem examinations had been carried out, the results of further tests were awaited.

Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

In a statement issued through Leicestershire police, Mr Wathall said: "At this time I am struggling to come to terms with the events of Saturday February 12 and what has happened.

"I cannot believe that Joy and the children have been taken away from me for good.

"Joy was a lovely, lively person with her whole life ahead of her. Her children were very special and I know she loved and cared for them dearly.

"I was aware that Joy was having problems in Leicester and I was in the process of assisting her to relocate where it would have given Joy and the children a chance to start a new life.

"I am totally devastated that part of my family should have been wiped out in this way."