Costessey deaths - investigation update

Detectives investigating the deaths of four people in Costessey, near Norwich, can confirm two died as a result of stab wounds.

It comes after the bodies of two young girls, a 36-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, were found in a house on Allan Bedford Crescent on Friday morning (19 January 2024).

Today (21 January) Home Office post-mortem examinations were carried out for the man and woman.

The 36-year-old woman died as a result of stab wounds to the neck while the 45-year-old man died as a result of a stab wound to the neck.

Post-mortem examinations for the two girls will be carried out on Wednesday (24 January).

Last night, following extensive enquiries detectives confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Formal identification is yet to take place and the next of kin is being kept informed of developments and supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Burgess, who is leading the investigation, said: “Following this latest development we remain satisfied no one else was involved in this incident.

“This latest information will only add to the distress and shock felt by members of the local community and it’s why, from the outset, we’ve been determined to carry out detailed and methodical enquiries to make sure we fully understand how this incident has happened.

“I would like to thank the community for their support and for the many people who have called offering information. We continue to work through this and will get back to everyone who has been in touch. The police cordon remains in place at the scene and we will continue to have a presence in the area tomorrow.”

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) due to police contact at the address on 14 December, relating to a missing person enquiry, and in relation to a 999 call made from a man at the address prior to the incident, which didn’t result in the deployment of officers.

The IOPC will assess the circumstances of the call and determine the appropriate level of investigation required. As a result, no further information relating to the circumstances of this call will be released at this time.