A HUDDERSFIELD graduate has been found dead alongside his three children.

Police yesterday discovered the bodies of Ceri Fuller, 35, his son Sam, 12, and daughters Becka, eight, and seven-year-old Charlotte.

The three children had been stabbed to death while their father was found at the bottom of a quarry nearby.

Mr Fuller studied at the University of Huddersfield for four years.

He graduated with a BSc Hons in molecular and cellular biology in 2001.

Mr Fuller was a member of the University of Huddersfield Alumni Society.

Police launched a search last Thursday after the paper mill worker and his three children disappeared from their home in Milkwall in Gloucestershire.

Their bodies were discovered at 10am yesterday at an isolated forest beauty spot 75 miles away.

Mr Fuller married his wife Ruth in August 2009 and neighbours said they had lived in a cream pebbledash semi-detached home on Station Road in the village of Milkwall for about a year.

Neighbours said the family “kept themselves to themselves”.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: “Officers searching for missing man Ceri Fuller and his three children have been made aware of the discovery of four bodies in Pontesbury, Shropshire.

“While the bodies have yet to be formally identified, Mr Fuller’s family have been informed of the discovery and are being supported by police family liaison officers.

Janice Ayres, who lives next door to the family, spoke of her shock at the deaths yesterday.

“I have children of my own and I would just be devastated,” she said.

“I am surprised. They kept themselves to themselves. It’s so sad for three young children. We would speak if we saw each other in the garden but we never socialised together. They were no trouble at all.

“It is dreadful really to think about it.”

The Fuller children’s headteachers paid tribute to them last night.

Jan Wagstaff, headteacher of St John’s Church of England Primary, said: “Rebecca and Charlotte were absolutely delightful children and a pleasure to have in school.

“Sam was also a pupil here before he moved on.

“He was a lot of fun and always had a ready smile. They will all be very sadly missed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family.”

Alison Elliott, head of Lakers School, said: “We are desperately sad to hear the family are having to face such a dreadful situation.

“Sam was a well loved member of our extended family here at Lakers. Our thoughts are with the family at this very tragic time.”