Two people dead in Crawley Down

Sussex Police have cordoned off a property in Crawley Down following an attack.

They said police were called to the address at 10.18am where they also found a man seriously injured inside.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

In response to reports that a knife had been involved, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Geldart, of the Sussex and Surrey major crime team, said: "I wish to make it absolutely clear that this is not a knife crime."

An ex-police officer neighbour said his friend, who lives opposite the house where the attack occurred, heard shouting inside before people ran out.

He said: "There was a domestic dispute or argument that was going on. There was shouting and threats made and the police were called.

"There were three people involved - there was a bloke and his wife and a do-gooder passer-by.

"The neighbour that I know heard shouting and swearing and heard 'I'm going to kill you'.

"A do-gooder that had nothing to do with it tried to get involved.

"I don't which of them have died though."

Another neighbour who saw the police and ambulances arrive said: "From what I have heard so far a man, possibly the son of the family, has gone beserk with a knife and its a bloodbath.

"It seems he has killed two people and severely stabbed a third person. I don't know whether they are related to him but it is just terrible. To think that on a Sunday morning you wake up to a normal day and suddenly all this happens. It is even more desperate because it is so close to Christmas," he said. 

Another neighbour on Hazel Way, who asked not to be named, said: "This is a terrible scene - and so near Christmas. Those poor people, they must have been terrified in the moments before they died.

"This is normally such a quiet place, nothing nasty ever happens here. We are just a nice ordinary estate with now trouble.

"Everyone is really struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The paramedics were here really quickly and were brilliant but sadly there was nothing they could do for two of the stab victims."

Alex Geldart added: "At this time we believe this to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing risk to members of the public.

"This is a fast-moving investigation which will see significant police resources deployed to the scene for the forseeable future. We are grateful for the support and patience of the local community while we conduct our enquiries."

DCI Geldart added: "My thoughts are very much with the friends and family of the two women who have sadly lost their lives."

Three forensic tents have been pitched on the street and in surrounding gardens, while residents said 10 police cars had initially been dispatched to the scene to deal with the incident. 

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to report online or call 101, quoting Operation Deanland.

Alternatively, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.