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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Alexandra Sims

Spalding shooting: Father 'shoots wife and daughter dead' outside swimming pool in Lincolnshire

A man is believed to have shot dead his wife and daughter near a swimming pool in Spalding.

Police were called to the Castle Swimming Pool on Pinchbeck Road at around 9am, a spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said.

Lance Hart, 57, is understood have shot dead his partner Claire Hart, 50, and daughter Charlotte Hart, 19, with a shotgun before shooting himself.

Investigators have raided the family home in Hatt Close, Moulton, where one neighbour described Mr Hart, who reportedly worked as a builder’s merchant, as "always caring" and a "very nice guy."

The resident, who gave his name as Peter said: “Lance worked as a delivery driver for a builders' merchants […] he was always caring.

“He was a very nice guy, he went out of his way to be helpful so it comes as a great shock.

"He was full of the joys of spring. His kids had left home and they were going to downsize and find a bungalow in the village."

Speaking to journalists outside Spalding police station, Temporary Superintendent Paul Timmins said officers found a dead man and two gravely injured women when they were called to the scene at around 9am.

Police outside a property in Hatt Close, Moulton, Spalding, after a man is believed to have shot dead two female members of his family (PA)

He said: "CPR was attempted on both women and I am sad to report that both women have died. We believe a shotgun was involved in the incident and are currently investigating the circumstances of this tragic incident.

"We confirm that we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this tragedy. I can also confirm that no shots were fired by police and that this is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

Witnesses reported hearing "dozens" of police cars and an air ambulance heading to the scene.

East Midlands Ambulance Service said they treated three patients with gunshot wounds at the scene.

“Despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene the patients were pronounced dead,” a spokeswoman said.

District councillor Gary Taylor, who represents Spalding Castle ward, said: "It's terrible news and local people are very shocked. It's a very quiet place, gun crime does not exist in this area at all. It's shocking news."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Twitter: "Shocking events in Spalding, Lincolnshire. My thoughts are with the victims and their families." 

Additional reporting by Press Association

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