A FORMER resident of the house in Irvine Drive, Margate, where the remains of two bodies have been found, has today spoken about her devastation.Nicola Downing, 37, had lived in the house with her family for 12 years.

A FORMER resident of the house in Irvine Drive, Margate, where the remains of two bodies have been found, has today spoken about her devastation.

Nicola Downing, 37, had lived in the house with her family for 12 years.

This week remains of two bodies, believed to be that of missing youngsters Vicky Hamilton and Dinah McNichol, were found at the house, which once belonged to Peter Tobin.

Ms Downing said in a statement: "On November 9 Essex Police visited our house and explained everything to us. “We had never heard of Peter Tobin and we found the news devastating and unreal. I can only describe it as a nightmare that seems to get worse every day.

“We lived in that house for 12 years and we had a happy family home. What they are finding there is just awful and it has turned our family life upside down. Moving out of our family home has been traumatic but we felt enormous sympathy for Dinah's father and for what he must be going through. We wanted to help get the answers he needed.

“Since we moved out the developments have been shocking for all of us. Our hearts and thoughts are with the families involved.

“We would like to thank all the local authorities, the police and our friends and family. They have tried to make our lives as normal as possible throughout this ordeal, especially for our children.”