Neil Shepherd has not been told about the deaths of his children

Travel firm Thomas Cook has issued a statement after British children Christianne Shepherd, seven, and her brother Robert, six, were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in their hotel room on the Greek holiday island of Corfu.

Thomas Cook would like to express its deepest sympathy to the family and friends at this tragic time.

The company is continuing to offer every support to Mr Shepherd and Ms Beatson, who remain in hospital, as well as their families who have travelled to Corfu to be with them.

Whilst carbon monoxide is now believed to be the cause of death for Christianne and Robert Shepherd, the results of the full investigation are still to be given so it would be inappropriate and insensitive to speculate at this time.

The local authorities in Corfu are currently undertaking an extensive investigation to establish what has happened.

Thomas Cook has stringent and robust procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of all its customers

Thomas Cook has also called on the Louis Hotel Group to make its own full investigation to provide answers and an explanation about this tragic situation.

Thomas Cook has stringent and robust procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of all its customers at the properties it features.

These comply in full with the UK government recognised Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) relevant codes of practice.

The latest audit of the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel showed the property met all of the FTO's requirements.

Audits from other leading UK tour operators, who also feature the hotel, have also shown that the hotel complies with the FTO code of practice.

The FTO has sent independent investigators to Corfu to establish the reasons of this case in detail.

Thomas Cook has, as a precautionary measure, moved remaining guests from bungalows and given all guests at the hotel the opportunity to move to alternative hotels if they wish.