Statement in relation to murder investigation following the death of two people

Superintendent Roddy Gosden has given a statement in relation to the incidents in Cheltenham and Bourton-on-the-Water earlier today (Wednesday 2 March).

Supt Gosden, from the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Local Policing Area, said: "At around 6.25am today, emergency services received a call to Sherborne Place in Cheltenham, with a report of a serious assault.

"Officers arrived to find a man in his 60s with stab wounds. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

"Following concerns for the welfare of a second person, officers visited a property in Whiteshoots Hill in Bourton-on-the-Water. They discovered the body of a woman in her 70s who had also suffered stab wounds.

"A man from Cheltenham has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with both deaths, which are being linked by detectives. The suspect was arrested near to the scene in Cheltenham.

"The victims were known to him and officers are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the ongoing investigation.

"Family members have been informed and our thoughts go out to them at this devastating time. They are now receiving support from specially trained officers.

"Cordons will remain in place in a number of areas over the coming days as officers continue their investigation.

"We are appealing for anyone who may have information which could assist us to please come forward.

"This has been a challenging situation and we will be providing support to officers and all those who have been impacted by these incidents.

"Understandably people will be shocked to hear that two lives have been lost in such a tragic way.

"Over the coming days, officers will be in the local communities to provide reassurance and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to us."

Investigating officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage that could be relevant to the investigation.

Information can be provided online by completing the following form and quoting incident 57 of 2 March: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ You can also call police on 101.