Barnet murders: Relatives of mother and son stabbed to death left tributes at scene

Family members of a murdered mother and son wept uncontrollably as they visited the house where they were killed to pay their respects.

Toys, candles and a chocolate Harry Potter castle were left at the scene in Barnet, north London this afternoon (Wednesday, June 22).

It comes after a 37-year-old woman and five-year-old boy were stabbed to death yesterday afternoon.

Two crying relatives were seen going into the police cordon and left a few minutes later, but they were too upset to talk.

Neighbours of the family in Brookside South, Barnet, expressed their shock and disbelief today that such a crime could occur on their doorstep.

Police have not yet officially identified the woman and her son.

A 37-year-old man, who police said knew the victims, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

One man, who lived near the family described them as "very private" and added that he had not seen them around the area much.

Another neighbour, who also did not want to be identified, added: "You can imagine, I’m sitting watching the six o’clock news and I see Brookside South, Barnet.

"You hear these things happen around the country but when it’s on your own doorstep you can’t believe it."

The victims are believed to be of Chinese descent with the boy being a pupil at Monkfrith Primary School, which is just around 350 yards from the crime scene.

A woman, who also lived nearby, said: "One of our neighbours phoned a friend and said it was one door down from her.

"The little boy, he goes to that Monkfrith school, he was in reception. A five-year-old boy, it’s just dreadful."

Two family members, a man and woman, arrived in a black Range Rover and, wearing a black suit and light-coloured dress respectively, laid down candles, toys and a chocolate Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle that melted in the mid-morning sun.

They also laid down a cardboard sign on which was written: "There is no evil and suffering in Heaven! Rest in peace!

"Thank you for all the happiness. You will be in our hearts."

The couple said a prayer as they wept before leaving.

Two priests were also seen visiting the tragic scene this morning to lay flowers, but they did not know the family directly.

Paramedics and police were called after the bodies were found just after 1.30pm yesterday.

An air ambulance was also scrambled, but the boy and his mum were pronounced dead at the scene.

Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, Met Police commander for north west London, said last night: “The whole community will be shocked and saddened to hear of this terrible incident.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman and child who have died and also with the officers and paramedics who were first to arrive at what was an incredibly challenging scene.

“Specialist detectives are working to establish what took place and a man is in custody.

"While they are keeping an open mind as to what has taken place, I would like to reassure residents in the local area that there is nothing to indicate, at this stage, that anyone else was involved in this incident."

She added: “I would urge anyone who saw or heard anything unusual earlier today, or in recent days, to come forward and speak to the police.

"Your information could be vital as the investigation moves forward.”

Monkfrith Primary School was approached for comment but declined.