A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of two women at a home in the West Sussex village of Crawley Down is in a “very unstable” condition in hospital, police said.
Sussex Police officers found the 37-year-old man seriously injured inside the house on Hazel Way after the discovery of two bodies outside shortly after 10.15am on Sunday morning.
The two female victims – aged 32 and 76 – died at the scene, despite the efforts of paramedics. The alleged attacker was taken under arrest to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
Amid reports of a domestic dispute at the property in the quiet residential neighbourhood, police confirmed the male suspect “was known” to one of the two women.
A neighbour said they had heard someone yell “I’m going to kill you” during an argument prior to the deaths.
A Sussex police spokesperson said: “Detectives are investigating the murder of two women, aged 32 and 76, outside a house in Crawley Down on Sunday morning.
“A 37-year-old man, who was found seriously injured inside the house in Hazel Way, is under arrest on suspicion of murder. He is in a very unstable condition at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.”
An ex-police officer neighbour said his friend, who lives opposite the house where the attack occurred, heard shouting inside before people ran out of the house.
He said: “There was a domestic dispute or argument that was going on. There was shouting and threats made and the police were called.
“The neighbour that I know heard shouting and swearing and heard, ‘I’m going to kill you’.”
Although some reports initially suggested a knife had been involved in the attack, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Geldart said: “In response to media speculation I wish to make it absolutely clear that this is not a knife crime.”
DCI Geldart, of Surrey and Sussex major crime team, added: “This is a tragic incident which has led to the death of two local women, one of whom was known to the suspect.
“Members of the public, police and paramedics did all they could to help the victims but sadly the two women died at the scene.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to their families, who are being supported by specialist trained officers. I ask that people respect their privacy at this distressing time.”
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.
Additional reporting by SWNS
