Investigations continue into deaths of four people in Costessey

Detectives have confirmed the bodies of two children were among four people found dead at a property on the outskirts of Norwich this morning (Friday 19 January 2024).

Officers attended an address in Allan Bedford Crescent shortly before 7am after a member of the public called police concerned for the welfare of people inside.

Police arrived on scene at around 7.15am and forced entry to the address and found the bodies of a man, aged 45, a woman aged 36 and two young girls.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Burgess, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, is leading the investigation. He said: “We can confirm all four were found with injuries and post-mortem examinations will be held in due course to establish cause of death. Officers are expected to remain at the scene for some time.

“We are still working to understand the full circumstances which led to the deaths of these people, however at this time we believe this to be an isolated incident.

“I recognise the shock and upset this incident will cause in the local community and we will have increased patrols in the area across the weekend. I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to these officers.

“I’m aware there’s a lot of public interest in this investigation and speculation as to who is involved on social media, including the names of those who have died.

“The man and two children lived at the address, but the woman involved was visiting and didn’t live at the property. Next of kin have been informed and we are supporting them.

“We’re also aware of commentary on social media about a knife discovered in a wooded area near to the address, however, at this time we’re satisfied it’s not connected to this incident.”

Police have confirmed officers attended the property on 14 December last year in relation to a missing person enquiry.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the Allan Bedford Crescent area earlier this morning and who may have seen or heard anything that could assist our enquiries.

Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch via the following channels, quoting crime reference NC-19012024-39:

Website: https://www.norfolk.police.uk/tell-us

Phone: 101

Crimestoppers: Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org