A TRAGIC mum, her two kids and their best friend died after a "violent attack" while they had a sleepover, an inquest heard today.

Terri Harris, 35, was discovered dead in the home in Killamarsh, Derbys, with Lacey, 11, and John, 13, on September 20.

Lacey's best pal Connie Gent, 11, who was visiting for a sleepover, was also killed in the horror.

Terri's boyfriend Damien Bendall, 31, has been charged with four counts of murder on a day between Friday September 17 and Monday September 20.

He has been remanded in custody ahead of a provisional trial date of March 1.

An inquest opened and adjourned into the deaths today heard how a provisional post-mortem showed the four died as a result of a “violent attack”.

The hearing was told a relative of Bendall's had called police to say he had sustained a self-inflicted stab wound.

When officers arrived at the home, they were met by Bendall outside, it was said.

Detective Inspector Graham Prince said: "Bendall indicated to officers that he had stabbed himself and as a result of further conversation, police officers entered [the home] concerned for the safety of others."

Police discovered the bodies of Terri, John, Lacey and Connie inside with Bendall taken to hospital before being quizzed in custody.

A full inquest was suspended until the conclusion of Bendall's trial.

Tributes flooded in for the victims following the horror earlier this month.

Connie's dad Charlie posted a touching video montage captioned: "I love you angel".

Lacey and John's dad Jason Bennett sobbed as he lay flowers for the youngsters at the scene.

He also posted heartbreaking videos of the siblings enjoying their time together.

'LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME'

Jason said: "Absolutely broken my heart into a million pieces.

"I didn't protect my beautiful babies enough from the monsters and now they have been suddenly taken away from me.

"I'm writing this as I'm lost and broken on a 4 hour drive back home having just received heartbreaking news that my beautiful boy John and beautiful daughter Lacey have been taken away from me. Their mum Terri also lost her life and Laceys best friend was also taken away from the world.

"Life will never be the same. I love you both more than anything. Please look after each other.

"Gone too soon with so much to live for. I wish I could hold you and kiss you and tell you how much i love you. Thank you for making my world. All my love dad. Xxx".

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