Car deaths father 'split from wife'

Karate expert Brian Philcox, 52, had been in touch with Fathers 4 Justice before driving to a remote beauty spot in North Wales to kill himself, seven-year-old daughter Amy and three-year-old son Owen.

All three were found dead in his Land Rover Freelander near Llanrwst on Sunday.

Police said they died from carbon monoxide poisoning through inhaling car exhaust fumes and confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

It was reported that after picking up the children, Philcox told his wife: "I've left you a present. I'll make the papers, just you watch."

Army bomb squad experts were earlier called to the family home in Runcorn, Cheshire, after the discovery of a suspect device. Residents were evacuated on Saturday night but the device was later found to be a hoax.

A second suspect package was sent to a "family member" police said, and this too was removed by explosives experts. It has been taken to an area of waste ground for examination.

It is not yet known when Philcox took the children from their mother, Evelyn - known locally as Lynn - or what sparked the killings.

Police described her as "devastated". She is being comforted by family and friends.

Inquests into the three deaths were opened and adjourned during a brief hearing on Monday afternoon. Central North Wales coroner John Hughes said the hearing, which was attended by just him and his officer, was adjourned to a date yet to be fixed.