By Charlene Wilson

THE BODIES of a murdered seven-year-old boy and his 25-year-old disabled sister found at a house in Buckhaven on Saturday evening were discovered by their mother, it has emerged.

Ryan Thomson, believed to be a pupil at Buckhaven Primary School, and Michelle Thomson, who suffered from severe learning difficulties and epilepsy, were staying with their father Robert (49) at the family home at 20 Muiredge Cottages, Methilhaven Road.

They are understood to have been in the care of their father on a temporary basis while their mother June had recently moved to a separate address.

Speaking yesterday Detective Superintendent Alistair McKeen, who is leading the double-murder inquiry, confirmed it was Mrs Thomson who raised the alarm at around 7.10pm on Saturday after finding the victims in their own bedrooms.

He said, “The discovery of Michelle and Ryan’s bodies was made by Mrs Thomson when she called at the house. When police officers attended the scene Mrs Thomson was still there and so was her 20-year-old son Ross, who is believed to have been there at the time of the incident but did not endure any injuries.”

At around the same time their father Robert Thomson, a lorry driver for Leven firm Cook’s, was taken to Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, where he is being treated for as yet undisclosed injuries.

He is being treated in the high dependency unit and his condition has been described as “stable”.

Mr McKeen refused to confirm speculation a weapon had been used and stressed that no-one had been charged at this stage.

“We are obviously very keen to speak to Mr Thomson about the death of his two children and are awaiting the go-ahead from consultants at the hospital who will decide when he is fit enough to be interviewed.”

Describing the murders as “a very serious attack on two very vulnerable individuals”, he added, “This was a particularly distressing and traumatic scene to witness for the paramedics and police officers involved.

“It was a harrowing scene which has touched many officers in such a way that we are making sure they are being adequately supported, and I personally can say that in my career so far I have not come close to a murder investigation of the dimensions of this kind.

“A full forensic investigation is now under way and we are interviewing a number of people who were at or near the house at the time of this very serious incident. Investigations are still at a very early stage and we are keeping a very open mind.

“We are looking at the Thomsons’ family history very closely and are keen to speak to anyone who may know the family to get in touch or anyone who was in the vicinity at around the time the incident took place.

“Any information we receive will be handled in the strictest of confidence.”

He said Mr and Mrs Thomson’s son Ross had been interviewed “in detail” and that police were “satisfied” with the information he has provided in relation to his presence at the time of the incident and that he and his mother are being supported by trained individuals.

Mr and Mrs Thomson’s fourth child Sean (24), who lives in Essex, has been informed.

The house where the bodies were discovered and the property next door have been cordoned off to allow detailed forensic examinations.

The Buck & Hind public house located directly across from the Thomsons’ home has also been forced to close as has the nearby Buckhaven Building Supplies to enable police to carry out investigations around the scene of the tragedy.

However Methilhaven Road, which was closed for several hours following the incident, reopened yesterday afternoon as did part of the adjacent Percival Road, which leads to the busy Standing Stane Road.

As news of the tragedy swept through the close-knit town of Buckhaven, neighbours of the Thomson family spoke of their shock.

One neighbour said, “Quite a few folk know Robert as he is a regular at the Buck & Hind. He gets called Rab and is originally from Ayrshire but moved to Buckhaven from Kirkcaldy around four years ago.

“He always seemed like an okay guy but generally keeps himself to himself. His wife is more reserved and you don’t see her as much.

Another neighbour said, “Nobody really knew them that well in the street but they seemed like a nice enough family so everyone is in shock that a double murder could have taken place in their home.”

A regular from the Buck & Hind, who asked not to be named, said, “The first we knew about it was around 8pm when two police cars turned up outside the house.

“A few of us went outside the pub and saw Rab’s wife being led out by police, covered in a blanket. She seemed to be in shock and was shaking.”

Aaron Young, who lives nearby said, “The whole neighbourhood is in shock. Methilhaven Road is a quiet street usually with rarely any problems so for something like this to have happened is just unbelievable.”

Buckhaven councillor Andrew Rodger said he was “absolutely shocked” to hear a double murder had taken place in his ward.

Levenmouth’s chief inspector Andy Morris expressed his sympathy to the family of the deceased.

“This is a terrible tragedy which has shocked the entire community, including the police officers who are involved in the ongoing investigation.

“We are working with community representatives, including the area’s four councillors to provide reassurance and support to both the family and residents of Buckhaven to help them cope with these very difficult events.

“I appreciate there will be some disruption in the local community over the next few days and I am seeking the support of the residents to bear with us during this time.

“There will be an increased number of community police officers in the area for additional support. Likewise, local residents can contact Levenmouth police station with any concerns they may have.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Fife police on 01592 251111.