Police have confirmed a mother and her 23-month-old son found murdered in their country cottage were stabbed to death.

A 44-year-old man, believed to be the woman's ex-partner and the child's father, then turned the knife on himself.

Police discovered the estranged couple dead on Wednesday morning at the 38-year-old woman's home in Holbrook, Derbyshire.

The toddler was critically injured and taken to Royal Derby Hospital by air ambulance, but later died.

Police said they expected to name all three, who were found in a cottage in Well Yard, once they had been formally identified.

Officers said they were called to the property after receiving a call from a concerned neighbour.

Detectives said they were not looking for anybody else in connection with the deaths, described by one woman in the village as a "terrible tragedy".