Two young children allegedly murdered by their mother in their Wandsworth home last Wednesday were suffocated, an inquest has heard.

Lily Boots, aged 14 months, and her 10-week-old brother Mason were found unconscious by their father Jeff at their home in Killarney Road.

Their mother Felicia Boots, 34, has been charged with two counts of murder.

Westminster Coroner's Court heard Mrs Boots has been detained in a psychiatric hospital under the Mental Health Act following a short stay at Holloway women's prison.

Detective Inspector Paul Clack said emergency services attended the scene where they found Mrs Boots along with the children's father together with the two children, who were found dead in a bedroom.

He said Mr Boots, an investment banker, returned back from work and found the children.

Det Insp Clack said a post-mortem examination took place on Friday, adding: "The provisional cause of death was asphyxia for both children."

Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox opened and adjourned the inquest for police to continue their investigation. She set an additional provisional review date of November 5.

She had been due to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday morning but was deemed too unwell to attend.

It is not known at present whether a trial will take place.