THE distraught mother of two young boys killed by a horrific house fire says they were murdered by their father out of spite.
Heartbroken Claire Sykes is arranging a joint funeral for sons Paul, nine, and Jack, 12, but not for her estranged husband Darren because she believes he killed himself and the boys by torching the family home.
Tributes have been paid following the tragedy, with the people of Penistone carving pumpkins in memory of the brothers.
She said: "I am overwhelmed with all the fantastic pumpkins that are lighting the way for my two beautiful boys, keep them glowing brightly. All children are precious and the fact that people are taking time to remember and reflect on Jack and Paul is simply humbling and comforting too."
The boys were visiting their father last Wednesday when Mr Sykes is believed to have locked them in the house and set fire to the property.
Jack and Paul's funeral will start at 11am on November 14 at St John's Church, Penistone. Family flowers only.
** The full interview appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated October 31. **
