A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering two children in Margate.

Kent police said the children, who the force described only as young, were discovered at a property in the coastal town in the early hours of Thursday.

Less than an hour before they were found, the woman was involved in a car crash and taken to hospital.

A Kent police spokesman said: “At around 3.35am on Thursday 27 December officers attended a property in Castle Drive, Margate, due to concerns for the welfare of the occupants. The south-east coast ambulance service also attended and two young children were taken to hospital, where they were later declared deceased. Police remain at the scene and a 37-year-old woman from Margate has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

“The woman had been involved in a road traffic collision on the A299 Thanet Way at around 2.50am and was taken to hospital with minor injuries. She has now been discharged and taken into custody at a police station.”

Two uniformed police officers stood outside the house and forensics officers were earlier seen at the address.

It is believed the woman and children had not been living at the house very long, according to neighbours. Local priest Father John Taylor, who did not know those involved, said: “As a priest and as a parent, when I heard I was shocked, very disturbed and saddened. I came down to see if I could help and will say a prayer for the children.”