A mother and her two children have been found dead at a property in Great Denham, Bedfordshire.
The grim discovery was made yesterday morning after a welfare call in which police had to break down a door to reach the bodies of the family.
A suspect who was known to the victims is believed to have left the country, Bedfordshire Police said.
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: ‘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.
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‘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.’
Police said the suspect was known to all three victims, and there is no wider risk to the public.
The police added: ‘We will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.
‘I would ask anyone who may have information about this incident, or who may have heard or seen any suspicious activity in Carnoustie Drive, particularly on Friday and Saturday, to please come forward to police as soon as possible. Any information, no matter how small, could help our investigation.’
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