A KENT policeman, his wife and the two youngest of their four children have died in an apparent triple murder and suicide.

Police officers found 31-year-old Jill Bluestone and her three-year-old son, Henry, dead at around 10pm last night after they were called by neighbours to investigate a domestic dispute at the family's home in Marling Way in Gravesend.

Officers then discovered the body of 36-year-old PC Karl Bluestone in a detatched garage at the back of the house.

The family's three other children were taken to the Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, where 18-month-old Chandler died of his injuries.

The couple's eight-year-old son, Jack, who was transferred to London's Kings College Hospital, was this afternoon taken off the critical list and is in a stable condition. His seven-year-old daughter, Jessica, is still in a stable condition at the Darent Valley Hospital.

Post-mortem examinations were to be carried out as forensic experts combed the house for clues. The investigation is being headed by Det Chief Insp Colin Murray at Maidstone police station.

PC Bluestone had served in the force for 14 years and was part of the tactical team. His parents, who live in Frobisher Way, Gravesend, were told of the tragedy last night. They are involved in local politics and are fervent Labour supporters.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I saw a flashing light, opened the curtain and there were all the police cars down the road." Of the family she sadi: “I didn't know them that well.

"They were out at work most of the time. I can't even remember how long they lived there.”