Fordingbridge residents today pulled back their curtains to the horrors that took place in the normally peaceful town.

Dad Andrew Case, 32, knifed to death his wife, Vicki, 31 and two daughterss two year old Phoebe and one year old Nereya before hanging himself.

Two solitary bunches of flowers have been placed outside their semi-detached rented home alongside a gold religious cross on the pavement ion Provost Street.

Police officers at the scene said neighbours living within the cordon behind the red brick house had left small bunches of flowers and cards.

They were standing guard outside the cordon as detectives were continuing to look for clues to establish what exactly made the doting dad flip.

Just a couple of yards from the scene of the tragedy, police tape could be seen closing off the stream where the family used to feed the ducks.

Disbelieving residents have this morning spoken of their shock.

Steve Berry, 39, a self employed IT worker, who was walking his dog, said: "The feeling here is pure shock. It's very frightening. I recognised his face because everyone knows everyone around the town.

"It's absolutely tragic for such a young family. The worst thing is 'did the mother see her children die?' before she was killed. It is devastating. Children should not be involved in this. This is Fordingbridge. A nightmare like this just does not happen here."