'Where angels sang and played': Site of four murders - including three kids - transformed into peaceful space

Six months ago, it was the site of a house tainted by the memory of tragic killings near Sheffield.

But now, the site on Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, where a mum, her two children, and one of their young friends died, has gone, replaced with a peaceful green open space.

At the centre of that grassed area is a tree, carrying a moving message of remembrance for the much loved victims of one of Britain's most upsetting murders, in which 35-year-old Terri Harris along with her children, 11-year-old Lacey Bennett and 13-year-old John Paul Bennett, and Lacey's 11-year-old friend Connie Gent, died in September 2021.

A plaque attached to the tree bears the message: "Where angels sang and played. Fly high, little ones."

Behind the plaque, flowers have been left in tribute to those who died. The house was demolished in July last year, leaving only rubble left. But workmen have now transformed the scene, after North East Derbyshire Council consulted with the victims families about what they would like to see done with the site.

Those living nearby today told the Star they felt the right thing had been done with the site. One pensioner living close to the site told The Star: "While what happened will never go away, but it is not there to have to look at any more."

She said residents thought the right thing had been done with the site. Another said: "It's the best thing they've ever done with the site."

A woman walking her dog past the site said: "I'm glad it's gone, and it's nice that they have left the tree there, for people to leave their flowers."

Another woman, visiting an elderly friend on the street, told The Star: "You wouldn't even know it was there now. It was awful for people living here for months and months.

"I hope they put in some sort of memorial, or maybe a bench where people can sit and have a quiet moment."

The tragedy is featured on National World's Shots TV channel, https://www.shotstv.com/watch/vod/51915188/true-crime-stories-killamarsh-murders.

It is also shown on the main freeview channel 276 tonight at 7.55pm. Both number 54 and 56 Chandos Crescent have been demolished. Killer Damien Bendall, who had been living in the house with Terri, John Paul and Lacey, was given a whole life jail sentence for the murders by a judge at Derby Crown Court.