Tributes have been paid after the “devastating” loss of a mother and two of her teenage children who were found dead at a flat in Luton.
Bedfordshire police said it believed the victims to be Juliana Prosper, 48, Kyle Prosper, 16, and Giselle Prosper, 13, all of Leabank, although formal identification has yet to take place.
Nicholas Prosper, 18, also of Leabank, has been charged with murder and a number of firearm offences over the incident on Friday. He is due to appear at Luton magistrates court on Monday.
In statements from the children’s schools, Giselle was described as a “beautiful soul” and a “model pupil”, while Kyle’s school called the tragedy “devastating”.
Jess Pather, the headteacher at Lea Manor high school in the town, wrote on X: “We are deeply shocked … by the tragic incident that occurred on Friday in our local community and devastated by the loss of our pupil, Giselle Prosper.
“Giselle was a beautiful soul and a model pupil, she excelled in all her subjects and will be sorely missed, particularly by her friends in Year 9.
“Lea Manor high school will be open as usual on Monday and specialist bereavement counsellors will be available to provide additional support to our students and staff during this difficult time.
“It will take us all time to process what has happened and our thoughts go out to everyone in our community and neighbouring schools who have been affected.”
A statement issued by Cardinal Newman Catholic school in Luton said it was “shocked” and “deeply saddened” by the loss of Kyle.
“This is devastating news to all those who knew and loved Kyle and it will take some time to come to terms with the profound sense of loss,” it said.
“We have already sent important information to parents and carers that outlines the support we have in place for students when they return to school on Monday.
“We know this will be a difficult time for students and staff and we will do all we can to support them with love and compassion.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kyle’s family on their immeasurable loss, to his friends and to all those in neighbouring schools who are coming to terms with their own loss. We pray for all those who have died in this tragic incident.”