A murder investigation has been launched after a woman and her two children were found dead at a property in Bedfordshire, police have confirmed.
Discovery in Great Denham
Bedfordshire Police said the victims were discovered at a property on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham, near Bedford, after concerns were raised that the mother and her children had not been seen for several days. The victims have not yet been formally identified.
The force stated they have identified a suspect known to the victims, who is believed to have since left the country. The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation and is appealing for information.
Police Statement
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said in a statement: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered. Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those affected. We recognise that this will cause concern in the local community and beyond.”
Murphy added: “This is the early stages of what is an incredibly complex investigation. We are committing all necessary resources to establish exactly what has happened and to find the person responsible. As a result of enquiries undertaken so far, we have identified a suspect, who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.”
Public Reassurance
While there is no indication of any wider risk to the public, police will increase their presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents. Murphy urged anyone with information about the incident, or who may have heard or seen any suspicious activity in Carnoustie Drive, particularly on Friday and Saturday, to come forward.
“Any information, no matter how small, could help our investigation. I would also ask people to be mindful of the privacy of the victims and avoid speculating about what might have happened,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the webchat service on www.beds.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Snowdrift.
