The father of two young children who were found drowned in the bath at their home in North Wales was being questioned by police last night on suspicion of murder.

Perry Samuel was in sole charge of his children Caitlin, 5 and her brother, Aiden, 3, when emergency services were called shortly before 11pm on Sunday.

Despite the efforts of medical staff the children, from the close-knit community of Bodelwyddan near the seaside resort of Rhyl, were declared dead at Glan Clywd Hospital.

Last night the children’s mother, Sarah Graham, and family members said that they were trying coming to terms with the “tragic and incomprehensible” incident.

Neighbours said yesterday that Mr Samuel, 35, was often absent from the family home, which was cordoned off by police tape yesterday as forensic officers completed their work.

It is understood that Mr Samuel was estranged from his wife and had been babysitting on Sunday evening.

Two children’s bicycles lay outside the front door, with two deckchairs and a drink can.

Wellwishers, some weeping, left flowers and soft toys.

One card read: “Two beautiful angels. Your beautiful smiles will be so sadly missed but will never be forgotten.”

The family said: “We cannot express just how much we loved our two little angels and how grief-stricken we are.

“Following last night’s tragic and incomprehensible incident, we are appealing for the breathing space we so desperately need to come to terms with this terrible life-changing situation in private so we can mourn in peace and dignity.”

Mark Frodsham, 34, a neighbour, said: “Everyone is very sad. They were normal, beautiful kids and the family are well known in the neighbourhood. They were gorgeous, both of them. It is awful.” Mr Frodsham said that the children’s father was “rarely around”.

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