THREE people have been found dead at a flat after an “appalling” attack – with a teenager arrested on suspicion of murder and a weapon recovered.
Cops made the horror discovery during a welfare call-out to the address in Luton, Bedfordshire, around 5.30am today.
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene in Leabank. It is not yet known how they died.
An 18-year-old was arrested shortly after in nearby Bramingham Road and is now being questioned.
Bedfordshire Police has said the death is an isolated incident.
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy told a press briefing outside the force’s HQ this afternoon that a weapon had been found during searches in the area.
He didn’t expand on what kind of weapon was recovered.
Mr Murphy added that details such as age or sex of the victims will not be released to the public until next-of-kin have been contacted.
Asked about a police cordon outside, Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said the incident itself took place entirely within the block of flats.
“There is a slightly wider search that was completed in order to locate and arrest the suspect,” he said.
“The area which has been cordoned in the wider area is likely to be the place where that arrest was made.”
Armed officers had earlier been seen in balaclavas in a green space near the scene.
Davy Bridgestock, who lives in the block with his family, told the BBC: “I woke up to my boys screaming in the morning. Looking out the window I saw police everywhere.
“I didn’t know what to do, whether to leave the block of flats or not.
“It’s pretty scary when you have kids in a block of flats.”
Another resident, Mia, added: “It’s very gut-wrenching to hear something like that happen on your doorstep; it’s not nice at all.”
One witness said on Facebook: “Raid van turned up with more officers, over 12 police cars there this morning with at least three ambulances.”
Did you witness this incident? Email ryan.merrifield@thesun.co.uk
Detective Superintendent Rob Hall said: “This is a truly appalling incident which has sadly resulted in the tragic deaths of three people.
“We understand this news will be incredibly shocking, but please be assured we will work tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding these deaths.
“One man has been arrested in connection with the incident and we do not believe there is any threat to the wider community.
“However, we appreciate people will be concerned, so there will be an increased presence of community police officers in and around the area today and over the coming days to answer questions and provide reassurance.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting Operation Longacre.
