A mother and her two children who were tragically killed in their Luton home have been described as “terribly missed” by heartbroken friends and family. Juliana Prosper, 48, and her children, Kyle Prosper, 16, and Giselle Prosper, 13, were found dead in a flat in Leabank, Luton, early on Friday morning.

An 18-year-old man, Nicholas Prosper, has been arrested and charged with three counts of murder, as well as several firearms offences. He was taken into custody shortly after the incident and is due to appear in Luton Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

A friend of Juliana told Sky News: “Juliana lived for her children. She was a positive person who will be so terribly missed.”

Tributes have also poured in for the children, with Giselle being remembered as a “beautiful soul” and “model pupil” by her school, Lea Manor High School. Jess Panther, the headteacher, expressed her shock, stating: “We are devastated by the loss of our pupil, Giselle. She excelled in all her subjects and will be sorely missed, particularly by her friends in Year 9.

Kyle Prosper’s school, Cardinal Newman Catholic School, also shared their sorrow. In a statement, they said: “This is devastating news. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kyle, and it will take time for the community to process this profound tragedy.”

Police were called to the scene at around 5:30 am on Friday, where they discovered the bodies. A large police presence, including forensics officers, has remained in the area, and a cordon was set up around the residential block.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. This is an unimaginably difficult time for the family, and they are being supported by specialist officers.”

Floral tributes have been left at the entrance to the block of flats where the tragedy unfolded, as the community mourns the loss of the three lives.