Bodies of a man and two children found in Hampshire road (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Bodies of a man and two children found in Hampshire road

1:38pm Monday 1st October 2012 in Winchester

THE bodies of a man and two young children have been found outside a car on a Hampshire bridleway.

A member of the public discovered the bodies in Newton Stacey, near Andover, on Sunday, September 30 at around 6.15pm.

They are believed to be Michael Pedersen, 51, of Chertsey, Surrey, and Ben Pedersen, seven and Freya Pedersen, six, both of Ashford, Middlesex.

The bodies have not been formally identified yet but Hampshire Police confirmed the Coroner has been informed and post mortems are due to take place.

Detective Superintendent Tony Harris, said: “We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this terrible incident and are working to establish what has led to these tragic deaths.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident and we do not believe anyone else was involved.”

He added: “The families of Michael, Ben and Freya have been informed and specialist Family Liaison Officers from Hampshire Constabulary, and officers from Surrey Police, are working with them to provide support and keep them updated as the investigation progresses.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this extremely difficult time and I would ask that they be allowed to come to terms with what has happened in a dignified and respectful way.”