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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Matthew Young & Antony Thrower

Bourne End murder victims pictured after three bodies found in 'targeted attack'

A couple found dead after a “targeted attack” at a sheltered accommodation alongside a man have been pictured.

Police have launched a murder investigation after Susan and Jeffrey Farance, both in their 60s, died at the home in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, after an incident on Tuesday night.

The body of a third man in his 50s, who was known to the couple, was also discovered.

Detectives say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the three deaths.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: "The Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation following an incident in Bourne End.

“At around 9.55pm (on Tuesday), officers attended an address in Spring Gardens following reports of a disturbance.

Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk

Pictured is Susan Farance, along those found dead in the home (Vagner Vidal/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd)
The couple were found alongside a third man on Tuesday night (Vagner Vidal/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd)

"Inside, officers found three people deceased and evidence to suggest a serious assault had occurred.

"The deceased are a man and a woman, both in their 60s and from Bourne End, and a man in his 50s from Hazlemere, Bucks. All known to each other."

A friend of murdered couple Sue and Jeff Farrance has told of her “heartbreak” at their deaths.

Carole Brown, 66, was due to go on holiday to Weymouth with the couple and a group of friends next month.

She told the Mirror: “They were a lovely couple, they were our friends.

“They were kind-hearted. They will be so missed by all of us.

“I knew Sue better. I felt like I’d know her forever even though they only moved her four or five years ago.

“She would genuinely do anything for anyone, she would always help you out.

“We used to do art together. We’re totally broken by what’s happened.

“Police won’t tell us a thing. We’ve been in and out of the home and it seems there’s still lots police don’t know.”

Yesterday witnesses told how at least six armed police officers were seen running down an alleyway beside the flats and battered down a gate before smashing their way into the community building in the riverside village.

Police arriving at the scene of the incident in Bourne End (Buckinghamshire Live/BPM Media)

One resident living within the Orchard House complex and who wished to remain unnamed, said: "I woke up to armed officers with guns, going bang bang bang and I saw forensic science officers later. "

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, of the Major Crime Unit, said: "We have launched a murder investigation after the discovery of three people deceased within the property.

"The next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, our thoughts remain with them at this most difficult time.

Police have launched a murder investigation (Jonathan Buckmaster)

"We are in the very early stages of this investigation and we are dealing with a very complex inquiry, which appears a targeted attack.

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

“We would ask anyone who may have heard a disturbance or who may have seen anyone or anything unusual in or around Orchard House or Spring Gardens between 5pm and 10pm yesterday to please come forward and call 101, quoting reference 2037 of 19/4/2022."

Forensic officers from Thames Valley Police were seen at the crime scene (Jonathan Buckmaster)

Paul, who lives on the top floor of the block of flats opposite Orchard House, told Bucks Free Press: "I saw around half a dozen armed officers go down the alley and from the back entrance last night.

"My friend who’s visiting his mum at Orchard House said an hour ago he wasn’t allowed to leave."

Police warned a crime scene would remain in place for a number of days and that the public would see an increased police presence in the area.

A spokesman for Red Kite said: “We are aware of an incident at one of our sheltered schemes, Orchard House in Bourne End.

“We are currently working with the police to help assist with their investigation.”

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