Couple in their 60s pictured after three found dead in ‘targeted attack’ in Bucks village

20 April 2022, 19:02 | Updated: 21 April 2022, 14:15

A couple in their 60s have been named locally as victims of a "targeted attack" which left three people dead in a leafy Buckinghamshire village.

Susan and Jeffrey Farrance, both in their 60s, have been named by residents of Bourne End as two victims of the tragic attack at their sheltered accommodation in Spring Gardens.

Thames Valley Police say a third man, in his 50s, from Hazlemere, was also found dead on Tuesday night.

All three are known to each other and police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Officers were called to a retirement housing block in Spring Gardens, Bourne End, shortly before 10pm after reports of a disturbance on Tuesday.

They believe there is evidence to suggest a serious assault took place and have launched a "complex" murder investigation.

Read more: Man spared jail for posting 'grossly offensive' burning Grenfell effigy video

Read more: Staring can land you in prison as police crackdown on 'unhealthy sexual behaviour'

Buckinghamshire authorities examine crime scene in Bourne End after three bodies are discovered

On Thursday, a pathologist and a large number of senior detectives were seen entering and leaving the flats.

One resident living within the Orchard House complex, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Sun: “I woke up to find armed officers with guns, going bang bang bang and I saw forensic science officers later.

"The attack took place in the main foyer of the flats.

"Everyone who goes in or out has to sign their name. Last night [Tuesday] it was chaos."

Mrs Farrance was the "life of the party" who enjoyed going to church, a nearby resident told ITV News London.

Mr Farrance was known as a "quiet" man.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, of the TVP Major Crime Unit, said: "We have launched a murder investigation after the discovery of three people deceased within the property.

"The next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, our thoughts remain with them at this most difficult time.

"We are in the very early stages of this investigation and we are dealing with a very complex enquiry, which appears a targeted attack. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

"We would ask anyone who may have heard a disturbance or who may have seen anyone or anything unusual in or around Orchard House or Spring Gardens between 5pm and 10pm yesterday to please come forward and call 101, quoting reference 2037 of 19/4/2022.

"A scene watch is likely to be in place for a number of days at very least, which is likely to have an impact on local residents and we would like to thank them in advance for their patience.

"Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence while we continue to investigate and we would advise anyone with any concerns to please speak to one of our uniformed officers."