A man arrested on suspicion of murdering two women outside a house in West Sussex is in a very unstable condition in hospital, police have said.
Officers were called on Sunday morning to a property in the village of Crawley Down, where they found two women aged 32 and 76. A 37-year-old man inside the house was seriously injured and taken to Royal Sussex county hospital in Brighton, where he is under arrest on suspicion of murder.
DCI Alex Geldart of Surrey and Sussex major crime team, who is leading the investigation, said: “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.”
She said that contrary to reports, the incident was not a knife attack, and urged the media not to speculate about what happened. Geldart did not provide any details about the cause of death.
Three forensics tents were set up in the street after the bodies were discovered, while residents said 10 police cars had initially been dispatched to deal with the incident.
Investigators in white forensic suits have been combing the area for evidence and a cordon remains in place as they continue their examination.
Ch Supt Jerry Westerman, the West Sussex divisional commander, said officers would be in the area to reassure residents over the next few days, describing the deaths as “an isolated yet shocking incident that has shaken many in the community”. He also urged people to come forward with any information.
