Family knifed to death in Gibraltar

A FAMILY of four have been found stabbed to death in Gibraltar in a suspected murder- suicide tragedy.

A 31- year- old British man, a 37- year- old Spanish woman, a girl aged four and a baby daughter just six weeks old were found in the Boschetti’s Steps area.

The family lived in Spain and the father is thought to have brought them to Gibraltar to visit friends. A Royal Gibraltar Police spokesman said: “We are not looking for anyone involved in this very unfortunate event but the investigation will be thorough.”

The names of the family will not be released until contact has been made with close relatives.

An inquiry is being carried out by the police’s serious crime unit and two Home Office pathologists, including a paediatric specialist, will fly out today.

Police officers were alerted to the tragedy yesterday morning by the family friend they were staying with.

He had banged on his own front door and got no response. Police entered the flat after they too were unable to raise the family.

Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, described the violent deaths as an “aberration” and added: “I’m shocked by this terrible crime as, I am sure, are all residents of Gibraltar.

“Gibraltarians aren’t used to these types of events in our peaceful and law- abiding community.”

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”