THE mother of two young boys who were "murdered" by their father in a deliberate fire has thanked the public for their support.
Claire Sykes, who lost sons Jack, 12, and nine-year-old Paul in the blaze on Tennyson Close, Penistone, has been inundated with messages on Pray for Jack, a Facebook page set up before her eldest son succumbed to his injuries five days after the fire.
She alleges that Darren Sykes - her husband who she had recently broken up from - lured the boys into the home's playroom attic with the promise of new toy trains before starting the fire downstairs.
Darren and Paul died at the scene soon after the blaze, but Jack passed away in hospital.
Almost 5,000 people have joined the page, posting messages of support and images of pumpkins designed in memory of the boys.
Claire wrote on Facebook: "I'm overwhelmed with all the pumpkins that are lighting the way for my two beautiful boys. The fact that you're all taking time to remember Jack and Paul is simply humbling and comforting.
"I don't know how I will carry on without my boys - my heart is broken in two. Knowing that so many people are thinking of them makes me proud to have been their mum."
Police and fire investigators said evidence pointed to the fire being started deliberately and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.
