HUNDREDS of people marked the deaths of a Fordingbridge family of four with a minute’s silence at two church services on Monday night.

There were simultaneous acts of remembrance, including readings and prayers, in memory of the Case family at St Mary’s Church, Fordingbridge, and St Aldhelm’s Church, Sandleheath.

The ceremonies came exactly a week after the bodies of Vicki and Andrew Case and their daughters two-year-old Phoebe and Nereya, one, were found at the family home in Provost Street.

It is believed that Mr Case, a 33-year-old lorry driver stabbed Vicki, 31, to death and killed the children before hanging himself.

How the girls died has not yet been determined, but further tests will be carried out. Inquests into all the deaths were opened in Southampton on Tuesday morning.

Monday’s half-hour service at St Mary’s Parish Church in Fordingbridge was conducted by the Rev Peter Murphy, who said that the deaths had “torn the heart out of Fordingbridge”.

He added: “I’ve had to deal with tragic deaths but, in 43 years, nothing like this. How on earth could such a thing happen here?

“Everybody is expressing disbelief and horror; naturally so. It’s rocked the place. People have been so concerned about the families involved, they have wanted to speak of Vicki’s vitality and caring nature.

“It’s very raw and painful and horrendous really at the moment.”

Mourners observed a one-minute silence and prayed before Enya’s song Hope On The Road echoed through the historic church.

While they formed a queue to light candles, to be placed in the church’s Lady Chapel, some cradled their heads in their hands, stifling tears. Others sat in quiet reflection.

Mourners included Fordingbridge mayor Malcolm Connolly and Ringwood and Fordingbridge Police inspector James Douglas.

Rita Tilson, a near neighbour of the Case family since they moved to Fordingbridge from Cripplestyle, near Alderholt, eight months ago, was joined by her husband Dave.

She said: “They were a nice couple, good neighbours and I saw them every day.

“I keep asking myself why. It’s so, so sad.”

At St Aldhelm’s Church in Sandleheath, the service was led by the reverends John Towler and Tracy Robinson.

The family was well-known in the area and the shocked community has come together in its grief.

More than 80 bouquets have been left outside the Case family’s home along with soft toys in the days since the tragedy.

One message sums up the thoughts of many: “May you all rest. The turmoil must have been terrible for this to happen.

“God will love to look after the children.”

Detectives are still investigating the deaths.

Acting Supt Gary Cooper from Hampshire Police has appealed for anyone who knew the family to contact police with any information that may assist their investigation.

Police would also like to hear from anyone who had contact with the family, or saw them, after 2pm on Saturday, July 24.