I'M SORRY, I'VE KILLED THEM

THE crazed dad who murdered his wife and daughter called cops just seconds later to confess: "I'm sorry, I've killed them."

Debt-ridden Hugh McFall was standing a few yards from the bodies of Susan, 56, and Francesca, 18, when he dialled 999 from the family home.

Sobbing, he told how he planned to join the women he doted on by killing himself. Then, as armed officers scrambled to the £300,000 house in Oswestry, Shrops, McFall drove to his business unit six miles away to hang himself.

A source told the News of the World: "He was in a real state when he made that call. It was extremely distressing."

It also emerged last night his elderly mum had sold her home to help Hugh, 48, pay crippling debts run up by his wholesale florist firm.

Distraught Joan McFall celebrated her 82nd birthday just 48 hours before the double-murder. Cards from her son, granddaughter and daughter-in-law are still on display in her living room.

'SMOTHERED': Susan, with Hugh

The widow has now been taken away from her flat in the town while she tries to come to terms with the tragedy.

A family source said: "Joan doted on Hugh. She had only recently moved into sheltered accommodation after selling her house for him. But the money wasn't enough.

"She's struggling to cope."

TEARS - Pals yesterday

It is believed Susan and only child Francesca - known as Frankie - were smothered as they slept on Thursday night. Yesterday weeping pals left flowers and messages for the mum and daughter at their home.

One said: "Frankie, you were a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day to all who knew you. We love you."

Tributes to the former head girl - who wanted to be a doctor - were also posted on social networking sites.

They included Facebook, where Francesca had written a few hours before her death how much she was looking forward to a Valentine's ball with her boyfriend Max Payne, 17.

The event, at Oswestry School last Friday, was cancelled.

dominic.herbert@notw.co.uk