Crawley Down: Murder probe after two women found dead outside Sussex village home
Man arrested on suspicion of murder after he discovered injured inside house
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police have launched a double murder investigation after two women were found dead outside a house in the village of Crawley Down in West Sussex.
Officers arrested a man on suspicion of murder after finding him seriously injured inside the home on Sunday morning. The alleged attacker was taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.
More than 10 police cars and half a dozen ambulances were called out to the quiet residential neighbourhood shortly after 10.15am.
Reports initially suggested a knife had been involved in the attack, but 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.”
A neighbour said they had heard someone yell “I’m going to kill you” during an argument prior to the deaths of the two women.
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’.”
DCI Geldart, of the Sussex and Surrey major crime team, said police believed the killings to have been “an isolated incident, with no ongoing risk to members of the public”.
She added: “This is a fast-moving investigation which will see significant police resources deployed to the scene for the forseeable future. We are grateful for the support and patience of the local community while we conduct our enquiries.
“My thoughts are very much with the friends and family of the two women who have sadly lost their lives.”
The street remains under lockdown with police cordons set up at each end of the road on Saturday night. Forensics officers are working busily around a tent covering one of the bodies in the middle of the street.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to report online or call 101, quoting Operation Deanland.
Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Additional reporting by SWNS
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments