Police today confirmed the four people who died at a house in Sheridan Way, Pudsey, were Richard Smith, 37, his wife Clair, 36, and their sons Ben, nine, and Aaron, 13 months.

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, leading the investigation, said that Clair and Aaron both died from a single stab would to the chest. Ben had also suffered a stab wound to the chest but died from suffocation. Mr Smith died as a result of smoke inhalation.

Det Supt Taylor confirmed police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths and said his team would now be preparing a report for the coroner. He said he could not comment on the motive for the deaths.

Det Supt Taylor said all four bodies were found laid on the double bed in the main upstairs bedroom by members of the family who then alerted police.

He said the family had been to a function on Friday evening at the nearby Pudsey St Lawrence Cricket Club. It is thought the deaths may have occurred on Friday evening or Saturday morning, but that is still being investigated. Det Supt Taylor said there had been no incidents involving the family at the cricket club function.

In a statement, Clair’s parents, Alan and Norma Robinson, described her as an exceptional person and a loving mum whose children were her life.