AN INVESTIGATION into a family allegedly found shot dead in their home is looking into how the man believed to be responsible got the gun.

Detectives launched an inquiry in Woodmancote near Chichester after Kelly Fitzgibbons, 40, and her daughters Ava, four, and Lexi, two, were found dead along with their father Robert Needham, 42.

The family’s Staffordshire bull terrier called Bill was also killed in the horrific attack which was discovered when a family friend climbed through a window in the rural village.

It is alleged Mr Needham killed his partner, daughters, and dog, before turning the gun on himself.

Sussex Police are probing whether the gun used in the massacre was obtained illegally - or whether Mr Needham may have held a valid firearm or shotgun certificate.

Family and friends have reportedly said they were not aware of him having a gun at the property and he was not known to be a member of any shooting clubs in the area.

It was reported that the alarm was raised on Sunday evening. Friend Ronald Peacock was asked to check on the family.

When he failed to get an answer at the front door, he climbed through a window and discovered the massacre.

It is understood the family moved into the property in 2017 to look after Mr Needham’s mother following the death of his father.

Neighbour Douglas Meany, 70, said yesterday : ‘I’ve known the family a very long time. We got on well as neighbours.

“As far as I know they were a fairly close-knit family, just normal, but not in each other’s pockets.

“On Sunday I was alerted to the fact there was a lot of activity in the lane outside. I saw two paramedic vehicles, unmarked police cars in the lane as well as marked.

“That carried on right through the night, comings and goings, and forensics seemed to arrive at around midnight. At first we didn’t know who or what was involved, but because of the activity it was obviously important.

“As there was more police and paramedics involved, we knew that somebody was in trouble, then it came to light that there may have been fatalities and there might have been more than one.”

Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Jerry Westerman said: “This is believed to be an isolated incident contained to one property and in these early stages of the investigation we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.”