Couple die in ‘murder suicide stabbing’

A COUPLE were found stabbed to death in a suspected murder-suicide at their home yesterday.

Riot police and ambulance crews rushed to the scene after being alerted to a disturbance in a first-floor maisonette in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.

Emergency services arrived at 1.15pm to find a woman dead and a man dying from knife wounds. The couple are believed to have two young children, who locals said were in the property at the time.

Witnesses reported hearing shouting shortly before riot police arrived and stormed the building on Turners Hill. An air ambulance landed in the middle of Cheshunt high street.

Hertfordshire police have launched a murder investigation but said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Neighbour James Coyne, 30, said: ‘At about 1pm I heard shouting coming from their flat. I couldn’t hear exactly what

‘A lady screamed at me to call 999’

was being said but it was very loud and aggressive. I leaned out of my window and saw a lady in a dressing gown who screamed at me to call 999.

‘I rang 999 but they said they were already on their way. Within minutes at least a dozen police officers had arrived and some of them were holding riot shields.

‘I saw paramedics rush in to the building and carry a man out. They attended to him but stopped soon after and put a white sheet over his body.’

Mr Coyne said police told him the couple’s children were safe and being looked after by officers.

Peter Prejna, bar manager of the nearby Old English Gentleman pub, told the Hertfordshire Mercury: ‘I feel sorry for the kids. I heard there were two children in there as well. One was about six.’

Resident Lucy Apps posted on Facebook: ‘I can’t get those two beautiful little kids off my mind, losing mummy and daddy. I’m still in shock. RIP to you both.’

A police spokesman said: ‘Police do not currently believe they are looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.’