Police discovered over 14 shots were fired at the house

Julia Christine Pemberton, 47, and her 17-year-old son William Joseph Pemberton were apparently killed by her estranged husband Alan, 48, at their family home, before he turned the gun on himself.

Mr Pemberton's parents Ronald, 77, and Marion, 72, said on Friday the tragedy was triggered by Mrs Pemberton saying she wanted a new life.

They said the family were still "in deep shock".

He just wanted his family back, that's all. He couldn't live without them Maureen Alrod

Post mortem examination results released on Friday confirmed Mrs Pemberton and her son were killed by shots to the chest and stomach, while Mr Pemberton, of Bronze Ash, near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, died from a shot to the head.

Police say 14 shots were fired by a 12-gauge shotgun during the shootings, meaning the gunman must have reloaded the weapon seven times.

Detectives say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Alan Ronald Pemberton's sister, Maureen Alrod said: "It's terrible. A terribly sad story. But there was never any indication he would do anything like this.

"He just wanted his family back, that's all. He couldn't live without them."

Daughter Laura, 19, a Cambridge University student survived, as she was away from the �1m family home in Slanting Hill, Hermitage, Berkshire, when the incident happened on Tuesday night.

An inquest into the three deaths will be opened and adjourned on Wednesday 26 November.