A mother arrested in Britain over the deaths of her three disabled children has appeared in court accused of their murders. Tania Clarence (42) wept in the dock as she was remanded in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court.

She spoke only to confirm her name, age and address and no formal plea was entered. She is accused of three counts of murder between April 20th and April 23rd this year.

A bail hearing will be held on April 29th before she appears in court again on May 9th.

Her husband, Gary Clarence (43) also broke down in tears as he sat in the public gallery during the brief hearing. A group of people, thought to be family and friends, supported him during the proceedings.

He was in his family's native South Africa with the couple's daughter (8) when he heard about the deaths.

Reporter Joe Tidy, who was in the courtroom, said "When Tania Clarence walked in the 42-year-old broke down immediately and began to cry when she looked over to the public gallery. She could barely read her name, her date of birth and her address details".

"Gary Clarence arrived ahead of proceedings and sat in the public gallery. He had tears in his eyes and was greeted with lots of support and hugs from people who seemed to know him in the gallery" he added.

Mrs. Clarence was arrested after her daughter Olivia (4) and twin sons Ben and Max (both aged 3) were found dead at the family's home in southwest London on Tuesday night.

They are understood to have had spinal muscular atrophy. The life-limiting genetic condition is also known as floppy baby syndrome and leaves children with little or no control of their movement.

Mrs. Clarence is originally from South Africa and moved to Britain with her husband some years ago. The couple moved into their house around six months ago after the property was redeveloped with mobility equipment - including a lift.