Shaun and Rhys Scott. Their parents said they had been "taken from us far too early and will be forever missed and loved".
Shaun and Rhys Scott. Their parents said they had been "taken from us far too early and will be forever missed and loved".
The parents of two-year-old twin boys who drowned after falling into a fish pond at their home in Scotland have paid tribute to their "miracle babies" as it emerged the children were conceived using IVF.
Sarah Aitken, 32, and Mervyn Scott said their "long-awaited little soldiers" had been "full of love, happiness, fun and cheek" and they had been left devastated by the "freak" accident.
In a statement issued by Police Scotland, they said their sons, Shaun and Rhys Scott, had been "taken from us far too early and will be forever missed and loved."
Senior sources confirmed the "miracle babies" description was a reference to them having been conceived using IVF. Around one in six IVF pregnancies result in a multiple birth, whereas natural conceptions of twins occur in about one in 80 cases.
Officers are continuing to support the family and enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances in which they boys died.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Dalgety Bay, Fife, on Saturday after the boys were found. They were taken to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy where they were pronounced dead.
The twins' parents said: "We would like to thank everyone for their support at this unfortunate and difficult time. We have special thanks to all the medical staff, family, friends, neighbours and the police for their efforts, hard work and time spent helping and trying to revive our miracle babies.
"Both boys were long awaited little soldiers who were full of love, happiness, fun and cheek. Individually and together they have touched the lives of everyone they met.
"We along with our family and friends are still in shock and devastated at such a tragic loss from such a 'freak' accident. They have been taken from us far too early and will be forever missed and loved. We wish to be left alone and be given the privacy needed to grieve."
It is understood the family only recently moved into the rented home and the previous resident, Keith Henderson, ran a koi supply business from the property that required the installation of a fish tank at the side of the property.
The ornamental fish are collected by enthusiasts and tend to require large, deep ponds.
Devastated friends placed flowers outside the family home in a quiet cul-de-sac.
One said: "Rest in peace little ones. Hold each other's hands and stay close."
Another said: "Rest in peace lovely ones."
Keith McKinlay, 50, a Gulf War veteran who used to live beside the couple said: "Merv worked at the industrial estate in Dalgety Bay and so did Sarah. They are just laid back and a lovely couple and so easy to talk to. They were easy going and pleasant and did so much for me.
"I'm still in shock. You can't put that into words. Sarah must be devastated because she is quite a sensitive person. It must be devastating for the both of them.
"I know she wanted children and that she was chuffed when she found out they were expecting twins. Why take it away from her? It's just so unfair.
"I know they were trying hard to get the kids. I know she wanted kids but that there was some problem."
He added: "They will both be devastated. It's so unfair. It should not happen to anybody. My heart goes out to them."
Officers are supporting the family and working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
- Daily Telegraph UK