4 found dead in home horror
POLICE launched a murder inquiry yesterday after four bodies were found at a house in Sussex.
The bodies of two adults and two children were found on Sunday evening.
Sussex Police found the bodies – and that of a dog – after responding to a report of concern for the occupants of the house at Woodmancote.
Police said they were not seeking anyone else in relation to the killings.
Nine people have so far died in a string of domestic incidents as Britain remains under coronavirus lockdown for its second week.
A spokesman for Sussex Police confirmed they had launched a murder inquiry after the grim discovery early Sunday evening.
Chief Superintendent Jerry Westerman said: “This is believed to be an isolated incident contained to one property. Our thoughts are with the family at this incredibly difficult and challenging time.”
Violence
The tragedy comes after campaigners warned that enforced isolation could lead to a “pandemic” of domestic violence cases.
Yesterday a South Wales man was charged with killing his wife.
Retired engineer Anthony Williams, 69, was charged with killing wife of 44 years Ruth, 67, at their semi where they had been self-isolating.
Gwent Police said grandmother and retired shopworker Ruth was taken to hospital with head and neck injuries but later pronounced dead.
She had offered to help neighbours during the lockdown – but the pair decided to then self-isolate because of their age.
Neighbours said the couple had lived in Brynglas, Cwmbran, South Wales, for around 20 years.
An NHS nurse was also stabbed to death in the street near Barnsley in South Yorkshire and a couple and their daughter died in a murder-suicide in Hertfordshire.
Campaigner Rachel Williams said they knew the issue would become a major problem.
“We know there’s a massive influx likely and it will be a pandemic on a pandemic,” she added.
“The perpetrators and the victims would normally spend some parts of the day in work or socialising. That could give the victims breathing space and someone to talk to.
“The children are also not in school which means they don’t have a safety net – and in some cases a decent meal.
“Now they’re all sharing their surroundings 24/7 with no breathing space. It will be tougher than normal.”