The video will start in 8 Cancel

Get our daily coronavirus email newsletter with all the news you need to know direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The parents of a builder who allegedly shot his wife and kids dead before turning the gun on himself have said they're "devastated and bewildered".

The bodies of Robert Needham and Kelly Fitzgibbons and their two daughters Ava, four, and Lexi, two, were found at their family home in Woodmancote, West Sussex.

Detectives confirmed they were treating the case as a triple murder and one suicide.

They said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy which they described as an "isolated incident."

Robert, 42, is believed to have shot his family and then taken his own life on Sunday March 29, six days into the UK's coronavirus lockdown.

Mr Needham's parents issued a tribute to the family and their son via the police, saying that they were "devastated and bewildered".

(Image: HNP Newsdesk/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd)

Robert Needham's family said: "Robert was a man with a loving, caring young family.

"He had a beautiful partner Kelly and daughters Ava and Lexi, who he cared for deeply and who cared for him.

"He was a quiet and thoughtful son and brother as well, always there to help when he was needed.

"We are devastated and bewildered at this most difficult of times."

(Image: HNP Newsdesk/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd) (Image: HNP Newsdesk/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd)

Police are today still investigating the circumstances.

An inquest into the deaths will be opened and adjourned tomorrow in Crawley.

Kelly's sister, Emma, said: "Kelly was a wonderful and special person. She was kind, caring, funny and always smiling with an amazing love for life.

"Kelly was a dedicated and loving mother and adored Rob and her two beautiful children. She had many friends and was devoted to her friends and family.

"Kelly will be missed by so many people and has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled."