The funeral of a woman and her two sons, thought to have been murdered by her husband, the boys’ father, took place today.

Music by Wham and Julio Iglesias featured in the service for Clair Smith, 36, and her sons, Ben, nine, and Aaron, one, who were found dead in their Pudsey home on Sunday, December 11, alongside their father, Richard Smith, 37, who is then believed to have killed himself.

A private family service at Rawdon Crematorium was led by the Reverend Debora Marschner and included bible readings from Isaiah and Revelations and a prayer written by William Penn as well as the songs, including Careless Whisper. The funeral of Mr Smith is being organised separately.

West Yorkshire Police started a murder inquiry after the family were found dead together on a double bed in the fire-damaged main bedroom of their home in Sheridan Way.

Leeds Coroner David Hinchliff confirmed Aaron died from a stab wound to the neck, which severed his carotid artery and jugular vein, while his brother died from suffocation due to the obstruction of his airway and smoke inhalation. Police said he had also been stabbed.

Mrs Smith died from a stab wound to the chest and the coroner said Mr Smith died from smoke inhalation.

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said the family was last seen at 11pm on the Friday, December 9, when they left a function at Pudsey St Lawrence Cricket Club.

The Smiths, described by relatives as “the perfect family”, were found dead after concerned neighbours called at the house on the Sunday afternoon, followed soon afterwards by police officers.