Two young brothers ‘murdered by mum’ pictured for the first time

These are the two young brothers allegedly murdered by their mother in east London last week.

Kara Alexander, 44, appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday morning charged over the deaths of Marley Thomas, aged five, and two-year-old Elijah Thomas in Dagenham.

The court heard the boys may have been smothered or drowned, but full post-mortem results have yet to be obtained.

They were last seen alive on the afternoon of December 15.

Their father, who has been named in reports as Selvin Thomas, called 999 the following afternoon after becoming concerned for their welfare, the court was told.

He forced entry to their home and found the boys dead inside.

Alexander was found in a nearby garden and detained by police.

Prosecutor Philip Evans KC said: ‘The children were last seen alive by CCTV footage together with the defendant late in the afternoon of December 15.

‘On December16, at around 2pm, police were called because the children’s father was concerned for their welfare.

‘He had gone into the house, having forced his way in, he was told the children were upstairs asleep.

‘But when he went to find them, he discovered they were obviously deceased and cold to the touch.

‘He called 999 and an ambulance attended and found the children deceased.

‘Post-mortem results have not yet obtained, but it is understood initial subtle findings indicate the normal mechanics of breathing had been interfered with, which could include smothering and drowning.’

Judge Mark Lucraft KC said a plea hearing would take place on March 9 next year.

The judge also set a provisional trial from July 10 next year.

Alexander, of Dagenham, was remanded into custody.

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