A father has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two women – thought to be his wife and teenage daughter – died in a ‘disturbance’ at a property in Salisbury yesterday afternoon.
A neighbour is understood to have called police about 2.45pm over concerns for the welfare of the occupants of a house in Wessex Road, on the junction with Kelsey Road.
On arrival, officers discovered the body of one woman and another with serious injuries.
Despite the efforts of officers and South Western Ambulance Service paramedics to try and save the life of the second woman, she was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
A man, in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been taken to Melksham custody where it’s understood he remains this morning.
According to a local resident who reported “terrifying screens” moments before police arrived, the victims are believed to be the man’s wife and his teenage daughter.
Murder detectives and forensics spent the entire afternoon and evening combing several scenes – including an area of Bourne Road – for evidence. Crime scene investigation work is likely to continue over the next two to three days, possibly even longer.
Yesterday, following the double murder, police were keen to stress that there was no risk posed to the wider community – indicative of a domestic incident.
DCI Darren Hannant from the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “Naturally people will be alarmed due to the large police presence in the area as we carry out our enquiries.
“The local community are likely to see a significant police presence in this area for a number of days.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the two victims.
“We would like to thank the local community in advance for their understanding and patience while we carry out our enquiries.”