A father has been arrested and is set to be charged with murder after his twin sons were found dead in a canal in Singapore.

The twin boys were found dead in a canal in Upper Bukit Timah, in the South East Asian city-state of Singapore on the evening of Friday, 21st January, and the dad was subsequently detained on Saturday, 22nd January.

The police reportedly said in a statement on Saturday evening that the 48-year-old man, who has not been named, will be charged with murder on Monday (today).

The young boys, who have been named as 11-year-olds Ethan and Ashton Yap, were twins and were said to have had special needs.

Police said that they received a call on Friday evening from the children’s father saying that he needed help. Responding police officers found the man’s two sons lying lifeless near a playground.

A paramedic pronounced both of them dead. They were reportedly found in a big, deep canal that cuts through the playground.

Local media report that locals have been paying their respects to the dead children, showing up to light candles and leave gifts.

A man identified as Mr Fong, 40, a funeral director reportedly hired by the children’s mother to take care of the funeral service, said that he had met the boys a few years ago and that they were “lively and energetic”.

He added: “They were maybe six or seven years old then. I learnt about the incident on Friday and was shocked.”

It is currently unclear if the suspect had been charged at the time of writing.