By Charlene Wilson

A 49-year-old Fife man was last night charged with murdering a seven-year-old boy and his 25-year-old disabled sister at a house in Buckhaven.

The man will appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court today.

Earlier yesterday at a press conference, Detective Superintendent Alistair McKeen also confirmed that Robert Thomson (49), the father of deceased Ryan and Michelle Thomson was released from Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline in the afternoon.

Mr Thomson was being treated for injuries he sustained following the incident, which took place in the family home on Methilhaven Road on Saturday evening.

Det Supt McKeen said he was not in a position to divulge the nature of Mr Thomson’s injuries at this stage or give details of how Buckhaven Primary pupil Ryan and Michelle, who suffered from severe learning difficulties, died.

DS McKeen did say that the victims suffered “particularly violent” deaths.

“This has been a particularly harrowing experience for police officers and paramedics and everyone involved in the investigation,” he said.

He added that the siblings’ devastated mother June, who discovered the bodies of her children in their bedrooms, and her son Ross (20), who was in the house at the time the murders took place, were both being supported by family liaison officers.

It is understood that Mr and Mrs Thomson’s fourth child, Shaun (24) had travelled from his home in Essex to be with his family after being informed of the death of his brother and sister.

“Investigations into this tragic incident are continuing and we are currently carrying out a thorough forensic examination of the house, which I can say is progressing well and that is at a critical stage.”

A post-mortem examination on Ryan and Michelle’s bodies is also thought to have taken place yesterday.

DS McKeen said the man being held in police custody was undergoing questioning and that the interview process was likely to “progress” during the evening.

“We are still keeping an open mind but I can confirm no other lines of inquiry are being prioritised at this time.”

Levenmouth’s Chief Inspector Andy Morris said that the police were continuing to support the Thomson family.

They were also working with local councillors and other agencies to provide reassurance to the community.

He added, “We have been heartened by the excellent response from residents to yesterday’s appeal.

“It has provided us with some valuable information which will assist us with the investigation and help us to explore the wider picture.

“There will be some disruption in the local community over the next few days and I would ask local people to remain patient while investigations are carried out.

“In the meantime there will be an increased number of community police officers in the area to provide additional support and assurance.”

DS McKeen urged local residents not to visit the scene unnecessarily.

He added, however that Ryan and Michelle’s family, including their mother, June had been “extremely touched” by the amount of floral tributes placed outside the family home.

DS McKeen said the family wished to express their thanks to everyone who had taken the time to lay flowers.