Brother And Sister Died From Suffocation

Two children - including a newborn baby - allegedly killed by their mother at their home in southwest London died from suffocation, an inquest has been told.

Lily Skye, 14-months-old, and her 10-week-old brother Mason Godfrey Robert were found unconscious by their father Jeff Boots when he returned home from work last Wednesday.

Their mother, Felicia Boots, who is believed to be suffering from post-natal depression, was arrested at the semi-detached house in Killarney Road, Wandsworth.

She was charged with two counts of murder that night and appeared in court on Saturday.

At inquest openings for Lily and Mason, Westminster Coroner's Court heard the provisional cause of death for both youngsters was asphyxia.

Detective Inspector Paul Clack told the court police and the ambulance service were called to the family's home at 7.25pm on May 9 to reports that two children had been found dead in a bedroom.

He told the court Mrs Boots was too ill to appear at a hearing at the Old Bailey this week, and had been detained in a psychiatric hospital under the Mental Health Act.

The 34-year-old was remanded in custody to appear again on August 10.

Mr Clack said a post-mortem examination took place on Friday, adding: "The provisional cause of death was asphyxia for both children."

Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox adjourned the hearing for police to continue their investigation, and set an additional provisional review date of November 5.

Mr Boots, an investment banker, was not in court.