A double murder investigation has been launched after a man and his ex-wife were found stabbed to death at their homes 15 miles apart in the Cotswolds.
Emergency services discovered the body of Clive Warrington, 67, after being called to reports of a serious assault in Sherborne Place in Cheltenham in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday.
The body of Valerie Warrington, 73, was then discovered a short time later at an address in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water, which is about 15 miles (24km) from Cheltenham.
The couple were married in September 1981 in Hertfordshire and had three children together.
Gloucestershire Police said detectives were linking the two killings and that a man from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of murder and was in custody.
The force confirmed the victims and the man were known to one another and said officers were not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths.
Superintendent Roddy Gosden said: "At around 6.25am today, emergency services received a call to Sherborne Place in Cheltenham, with a report of a serious assault.
"Officers arrived to find a man in his 60s with stab wounds. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
"Following concerns for the welfare of a second person, officers visited a property in Whiteshoots Hill in Bourton-on-the-Water. They discovered the body of a woman in her 70s who had also suffered stab wounds."
He added: "Family members have been informed and our thoughts go out to them at this devastating time. They are now receiving support from specially trained officers."
Police appeal for information
Police cordons are expected to remain in place at a number of locations over the coming days.
Meanwhile, detectives are appealing to anyone who might have information that could assist their investigation to come forward.
Supt Gosden added: "This has been a challenging situation and we will be providing support to officers and all those who have been impacted by these incidents.
"Understandably people will be shocked to hear that two lives have been lost in such a tragic way.
"Over the coming days, officers will be in the local communities to provide reassurance and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to us."
Anyone with information, particularly those who may have dash cam or CCTV footage of the two areas, are urged to get in contact with police on 101, quoting incident 57 on March 2, or via Gloucestershire Police's website.
