Triple murder investigation launched in Luton after men killed in 'appalling' flat attack

Police have launched a triple murder investigation after three people were found dead in a flat in Luton .

Emergency services were called at around 5.30am on Friday to reports of concerns for welfare at a flat in Leabank, off Wauluds Bank Drive.

Three people were found with injuries and were all pronounced dead at the scene, Bedfordshire Police said.

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Bramingham Road a short time later in connection with the deaths and remains in custody for questioning. The force said it believed there is no threat to the wider community.

On Friday evening, Bedfordshire Police said officers had recovered a firearm from Bramingham Road, adding that the force believed all those involved in the incident were "known to each other".

An investigation is being led by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.

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.”

Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “We’ve also been conducting a number of searches in the area and those searches have resulted in the recovery of a weapon.

“At this stage I’m not in a position to go into the detail around the age or ethnicity or any further details about the victims while we’re in the process of contacting the next of kin and our full focus at the moment is on supporting the families.”

He said the incident appeared to “very isolated”, adding: “At this stage we are not looking for anybody else in relation to the homicide investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting Operation Longacre.

Gallery manager ‘horrified’ by theft of Banksy artwork

Dog walker murder investigation: Police identify potential witness from CCTV

Long-awaited inquest into death of Kevin McGuigan to be heard early next year

Men jailed after using vulnerable boy, 15, to distribute Class A drugs