TWO women have been shot dead at a house in St Leonards.

Two other women - including one who is pregnant - were led to safety by officers at the scene on Bexhill Road.

Both were uninjured but were taken to hospital suffering from shock, Sussex Police said.

Officers were called to the house at 7.43pm on Friday, and a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder two hours later after a manhunt. 

A firearm was also seized.

Police said the woman were known to the suspect.

The victims have been named locally as Heather Whitbread, 53, and her daughter Michelle, 32, with Heather's heavily pregnant daughter, Raven, 24, being taken from the home in shock.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday at Hastings Police Station chief superintendent Jason Taylor, divisional commander for East Sussex, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the two victims who tragically died at a house in Bexhill Road, St Leonards on Friday.

"Officers responded immediately to the reporting of a shooting shortly before 7.45pm.

"Two women died at the scene

"Two other women who were also at the house were led to safety by police officers and were taken to hospital for shock. They are being supported by specially trained officers. 

" A 35-year-old man who was known to the victims was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody where he remains. A firearm has been recovered

"Officers and staff from the Surrey and Sussex major incident team are leading the investigation, supported by local policing teams. 

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murders, but are appealing for witnesses to contact us by ringing 101 and quoting operation Winlot.

"Bexhill Road remains closed at this time and while the investigation continues I would like to thank the community for their patience."

As morning rose on Saturday, scenes of crime officers and a blue tent could be seen outside the house as they moved bodies. 

While police were looking for the suspected gunman on Friday evening, they warned residents to stay away from the area and remain indoors, as some were evacuated from their homes.

Witnesses also reported seeing a number of police vehicles and a helicopter in the area.

Those evacuated from their homes were later allowed to return that night.