Tributes to 'cheeky chappy' boy, nine, found dead alongside his mother

The heartbroken father of a nine-year-old boy found dead alongside his mum in a remote cottage has paid tribute to 'a quiet and cheeky chappy'.

The bodies of Hudson Paterson, nine, and Tasmin Paterson, 31, were discovered by emergency services at the house in Fletchersbridge, Cornwall, on September 7 following concerns for their welfare.

Devon and Cornwall Police had described their deaths as 'unexplained' and the force has said it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the discovery.

In a statement release through the police, Hudson's grief-stricken father said his passing was 'soul destroying' and paid tribute to his 'cherished' son.

He said: 'The grief we feel for the loss of a son, my son, stepson, nephew, and grandson cannot be understated. Hudson was a quiet but cheeky chappy, who's love for cars was as big as the love for his family and friends.

'Hudson was adored, loved, cherished, and everyday brought a smile to those that he loved and loved him.

'Hudson no longer being here is truly devastating for me as his dad and my family. It's soul destroying and the grief is unimaginable.

'I thank those for the messages of love and support, we would appreciate respect and privacy for Hudson and my family during this heartbreaking time.'

Tasmin's family paid tribute to her saying: 'Tasmin was very much loved and will be missed by those who loved her. Our hearts are broken to lose a daughter and a beautiful grandson, who was the light of our lives. Life will never be the same again.'

Tasmin's partner and his family said: 'Tasmin had been a shining star who had left an overwhelming legacy of love and positivity in their lives and that they were privileged to have known her and would always continue to cherish her memory.'

News of the death rocked locals in the sedate Cornish village close to Bodmin with locals believing the house was empty having been placed on the market several months earlier when its elderly owner moved into a care home.

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Neighbour Roger Johns, 77, said: 'We didn't realise there was anybody living up there because it was for sale. We saw police vans on Saturday then a detective came and spoke to us but didn't say what happened.

'I don't think anybody around here would know who was there. It's a weird scenario. Because the house was on the market we all thought it was empty.

'I'm always out in the garden and I've never seen a woman or child there.

'This is a close-knit area, everybody knows their neighbours and we always know when somebody moves in but we've never seen them even walking down the lane.

'There's never been anything like this before, it's worrying that something like that could happen around here.'

Another resident said: 'It's strange because there was no woman or child living there, the guy who lived there was probably in his 90s. About a month ago he was moved to a home.

'We normally walk the dogs up every day, we haven't for the last week but prior to that it was empty. We used to speak to the owner all the time but we didn't know anybody was there.

'It's a real shock, this is the sort of place you don't lock your house up because it's so safe. It's shocked people.

'We only realised something had happened when police blocked off the lane.'

Detective Inspector Neil Blanchard said: 'Tasmin and Hudson's deaths continue to be treated as unexplained and our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what occurred.

'We are not seeking to speak to anyone in connection to their deaths and this remains an isolated and very tragic incident.

'Our thoughts remain with their families and friends, and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.'