Rome -
Police in northern Italy say a father has thrown his two young children to their deaths from a sixth floor apartment balcony before jumping to his death.
Brescia police spokeswoman Nicoletta Di Maio says the mother, who was home at the time, is currently in the hospital under sedation.
Italian news agency ANSA said the 41-year-old man had lost his job a year ago, but it wasn't clear if economic difficulties were to blame. Italy, which is back in recession, has seen a rash of suicides in recent weeks.
Di Maio said the man first threw his children, aged four and 14 months, and then threw himself off the balcony. He died immediately; the children were pronounced dead at the hospital. - Sapa-AP