'Man of the Year' gasses his children; Three found dead at Welsh beauty spot.

Byline: Pat Hurst

AMAN who gassed himself and two of his children on Fathers' Day was going through a break-up with his wife, it was revealed last night.

Karate expert Brian Philcox, 52, had been in touch with Fathers 4 Justice before driving to a remote beauty spot in North Wales to kill himself, seven-year-old daughter Amy and three-year-old son Owen.

All three were found dead in his Land Rover Freelander near Llanrwst yesterday. Police said yesterday they died from carbon monoxide poisoning through inhaling car exhaust fumes.

Army bomb squad experts were earlier called to the family home in Runcorn, Cheshire, after the discovery of a suspect device. Residents were evacuated on Saturday night but the device was later found to be a hoax.

A second suspect package was sent to a "family member" police said, and this too was removed by explosives experts.

It is not yet known when Mr Philcox took the children from their mother, Evelyn - known locally as Lynn - or what sparked the killings. Police described her as being "devastated". She is being comforted by family and friends.

One neighbour confirmed Mr Philcox had been undergoing a bitter dispute with his wife who is also from the Runcorn area.

A lone police officer stood guard outside but other police were seen close to another house believed to be relatives of the victims.

Mr Philcox, originally from the Speke area of Liverpool, had been practising karate for more than 30 years, reaching sixth dan black belt and winning many competitions. He was named "Man of the Year" in 2005 in awards for local worthy citizens in Runcorn.

This is understood to be in recognition for his charity work following the death of his first wife Jan.

Mr Philcox also had other children with other partners.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jones of North Wales Police said officers were still trying to discover his last movements with his children.

He said: "Detectives are trying to establish a timeline of events which occurred before the three were found in the light blue Land Rover on an unclassified road just off the A470 between Maenan and Tal-y-Cafn shortly before 3pm yesterday." Superintendent Jed Manley, of Cheshire Police, said: "During the course of inquiries to trace Mr Philcox and his children, a Cheshire Constabulary officer searched his home address.

"While searching that address he came across what he believed to be an improvised explosive device.

"The bomb disposal team was brought in to examine the device. They did so and declared it to be a hoax device." He said: "The only two children he had with his current wife were the children he had with him when his body was found.

"He does have children from previous relationships and a wider family."

Matt O'Connor, from Fathers 4 Justice, said: "This is yet another tragic case that demonstrates how family breakdown is an unfolding national tragedy for families and children.

"Fathers love their children. Killing them is against the paternal instinct, but whilst some people are driven to scaling bridges out of desperation, others see a future so bleak, and fear the living bereavement of losing their children so much, that they turn away from hope."

This tragic case demonstrates how family breakdown is an unfolding national tragedy

CAPTION(S):

FOUND DEAD Amy Philcox, seven, and her brother Owen, three, who were found with their father Brian Philcox.