Tributes paid to tragic mum and two children found dead in family home

Tributes have been paid to a mum and her two children feared to have been murdered. Zandile Tshuma and her children were found after officers forced their way into a £1.3million house in Great Denham near Bedford on Monday. Police have said that a suspect has been identified, but is thought to have fled the country. A family friend, who did not want to be named, told the Mirror: “I just hope they find him." The woman said her daughter was best friends with the youngest victim and described the suspected murders as “incomprehensible”. Speaking about the child victims, she said: “Both of them - they were amazing.” Asked if she knew of any problems in the family, the woman said she could not comment. She added: “I am shocked.” Police reportedly had to force entry into the property after concerns were raised about the trio who had not been seen for several days. Bedfordshire police have since identified a suspect, who is believed to have fled the country. Speaking on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered. "Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those affected. We recognise that this will cause concern in the local community and beyond. “This is the early stages of an incredibly complex investigation." Mrs Tshuma's husband Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who goes by the name Mark, reportedly bought the detached house two years ago for £1.3 million by Tshuma - who has a degree in Computing Informatics from the University of Plymouth - has a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It is understood both he and his wife were originally from Zimbabwe, while the children were born in the UK. ACC Murphy added: “We are committing all necessary resources to establish what has happened and to find the person responsible. We have identified a suspect, who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.” He said there is nothing to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, but added: “We will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.” He asked for anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, on Friday or Saturday to come forward.