DETECTIVES investigating a double murder have launched a manhunt across Sussex after bodies were found this morning.

Surrey Police are searching for 38-year-old Lithuanian Viktoras Bruzas after the discovery of the man and the woman at around 12.30am.

The victims, Patrick and Gillian Kettyle who are both in their 50s, are believed to have died from stab wounds in an attack at The Copse, in Fetcham, Surrey.

Bruzas, from Walton-on-Thames, is thought to be in Sussex and may be driving a black Mercedes, registration AU11 WJY. He also has links to Surrey and south-east London.

Detectives said a large-scale manhunt has been launched and urged the public not to approach him if they spot him.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston, of the Surrey and Sussex major crime team, said: "This is a tragic incident where two people have lost their lives and our thoughts are with their family at this extremely difficult time.

"We are still in the very early stages of the investigation but we need to trace Viktoras Bruzas as a matter of urgency. I would urge members of the public not to approach him but to call Surrey Police immediately if they know his whereabouts.

"A large number of officers from Surrey and Sussex are working on locating Mr Bruzas.

"Fetcham is a small, close-knit community and this incident is likely to have a lasting impact on the village, but we will have specialist and neighbourhood officers in the area working with residents while they come to terms with these tragic events. I ask that the privacy of those closely affected by this incident is respected at this time."

A man in his 30s was arrested in Walton-on-Thames in connection with the inquiry, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder but was released on bail.

The victims and the two suspects were known to each other. Police said the alarm was raised after another resident at the property found the bodies.

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Bruzas was detained by police around 6pm as he drove a car through Oxshott, in Surrey .

Det Ch Insp Mark Preston, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said the couple's deaths had been "a tragic incident which has shaken the close community in Fetcham."

He said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who assisted with the search of Viktoras Bruzas."