A DAD is feared to have shot dead his partner and daughter after lying in wait for them, before turning the gun on himself at a swimming pool car park.

Lance Hart, 58, who a neighbour claims once threatened him with a shotgun, is believed to have shot his wife Claire, 51, and their daughter Charlotte, 19, in Spalding, Lincs, at 9am yesterday morning.

32 Charlotte Hart, 19, with her mother Claire Hart, 51 Credit: SWNS-Cambridge

32 Lance Hart, 58, is thought to have gunned down his wife and daughter in a swimming pool car park today Credit: SWNS-Cambridge

32 Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

Charlotte and her mother, Claire, are thought to have been shot by father Lance Hart this morning

Police were called to the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding, Lincs, at around 9am yesterday morning after gunshots were heard.

Neighbours to the Hart family home told how police swooped on the detached £280,000 four bed house in nearby Moulton, at about 10am - an hour after they were shot.

Officers have since been raiding the property where Claire and Lance Hart lived with Charlotte, and sons Ryan, 25, and Luke, 26, for seven years.

The family had recently sold their £240,000 four-bed detached house and unusually had not been seen “for weeks” by neighbours.

One pal yesterday said: "I heard they were having some big marriage problems and that's why they sold the house.”

It has been reported Claire had told him she was leaving him days previously.

Lance knew the pair would be going swimming that morning and it is thought he hid under a car to wait, before ambushing them with a shotgun.

A neighbour claimed the house sale had been a bid to reignite their 26-year marriage after their children had left home.

The friend said: "The parents were looking forward to a fresh start in a smaller new home.”

He added: "Claire was chatting about the move just last week. She seemed upbeat and matter of fact about it.

“She said, 'We're at that stage in life, a crossroads and were moving forward and looking forward’. "

A neighbour known only as Peter, described Lance, who is understood to have worked at a nearby builders' merchants, as "the nicest guy you could ever meet" and said he ''would do anything for anyone''.

32 Charlotte Hart named locally as the girl who was shot dead with her mother Claire Hart Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-+44 (0)1179066550

32 Charlotte Hunt, who was at the University of Northampton, is believed to have been shot by her father this morning Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

The family's former next door neighbour claims Lance once threatened him with a shotgun during a row about a fishing lake application.

Bob Foreman, 53, said: "Lance was an a*******. Everywhere he went he annoyed people.

"I've got some land and about 15 years ago, I put in a planning application to put some fishing lakes in.

"He objected to the council on the grounds that his son had a peanut allergy and fish eat peanuts.

"I had to prove to the council fish don't eat peanuts and got it approved but it just showed he was difficult.

"I was on my land and he walked across with a 12-bore shotgun saying, 'me and you have got a problem'.

"He was clearly trying to intimidate me so I said 'why have you brought that?' We started arguing and eventually he put it down."

Dad-of-three Bob, from Wisbech St Mary, Cambs., said he understood Lance had a shotgun licence but wondered whether it would have been revoked if he'd reported the incident.

"I was thinking yesterday that if I'd have reported him for that they'd have taken his licence off him," he said. Then his daughter and wife would still be alive.

"After the argument he was so paranoid that he put the house up for sale and was gone within months.

"After that happened I asked people and they told me he annoys everyone. Apparently he lived in Wisbech before and he had to leave there because he fell out with everyone."

Another neighbour described the Harts, who are believed to have got married in 1990, as the "loveliest couple ever".

32 Several schools were in lockdown after the shootings and people in the swimming pool have been kept inside Credit: Sky News

32 Credit: Sky News

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "They were an absolutely lovely family.

"They were the loveliest couple ever. We don't know them well but wave to them when we see them.

"I can't imagine why they have raided that house. They had three kids, two boys and a girl."

'The house is up for sale but I can't imagine they would have left without saying goodbye."

Charlotte was studying at the University of Northampton but was home for the summer holidays.

The university released a statement paying tribute to Charlotte, who had just finished the first year of a midwifery course.

Mary Huntley, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, said: "The students and staff at the University of Northampton are deeply saddened to hear of Charlotte's death.

"Charlotte was lovely young woman, who's quiet, friendly manner served her well with her academic studies at University and during her clinical placement with Kettering General Hospital.

"Charlotte was well liked and extremely hard working throughout her studies; as well as when she was playing for the University of Northampton Students' Union Lacrosse team.

"Charlotte was a lovely person, who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends at this difficult time."

A former neighbour of Lance Hart's parents, Raymond and Daphne Hart, said: "He was a friendly guy, I wouldn't have a bad word to say about him, but I knew him decades ago."

32 Neighbours of the family said they were selling the house in Moulton near Spalding Credit: SWNS-Cambridge

32 Charlotte and her mother, Claire, were still alive when paramedics arrived but they were unable to be saved Credit: SWNS-Cambridge

32 Gunshots were heard by nearby builders and people in the swimming pool who ran to help Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

32 The family was said to have lived in Moulton, near Spalding, for a number of years Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

Lincolnshire Police confirmed just after 4pm today that the people killed were two women and a man.

A shotgun is believed to have been involved, and officers are still looking into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Cops confirmed the incident was not terror-related and it is being speculated that the incident is linked to a domestic dispute.

Superintendent Paul Timmins addressed the press this afternoon outside the Spalding Police Station and said: "We believe all those involved were known to each other but we are not in a position to release their names and their relationship to each other."

Supt Int said no more comments would be made by the police today.

32 It is understood Charlotte was studying at the University of Northampton but was home for the summer holidays Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

32 A close neighbour said of 19-year-old Charlotte: "She was really nice and friendly." Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

32 A close friend who did not wish to be named described the family as "an absolutely lovely family" Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

32 Superintendent Paul Timmins talking at a press conference this afternoon, following the shooting in Spalding Credit: SWNS - Leeds +44 (0)1179066550

Police were last night interviewing a series of the couple’s closest friends following the shooting just after 9am in Spalding, Lincs.

The family were said to be “dog crazy” and until recently had three of the pets, which they doted on. Morrison’s worker Claire was said to be particularly close to Charlotte.

Blonde Charlotte, the youngest of their “bright” children had attended the town’s High School for girls and was about to start her second year of midwifery at Northampton University, in September.

She was a keen rider and photographer and her Facebook profile showed she had enjoyed travelling including a trip to Australia.

Her boyfriend Ben Griffiths, 20, of Bicester, Oxfordshire., was last night too upset to comment.

A woman, understood to be his mum Nicola, told The Sun: "Ben has only just heard. I don't think he'll want to talk - he's just too upset."

Others friends told how Mr Hart, who had also worked at a builder’s merchants, was a DIY obsessive who loved working with power tools.

One neighbour, close to the family home in Moulton, Lincs., said: “He had all the the tools and would help me out from time to time.

“He loved the machines - but I had no idea he was into guns, or even owned a gun.”

32 Police gather near the site of the shooting which left three people dead, including the gunman, this morning Credit: EPA

32 Forensic teams work at the scene of the shootings as police investigate what happened at the swimming pool car park in Spalding Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

A builder, who tried to save the two victims, told the Telegraph: "At about nine o'clock three shots went off while I was working on the building site. I ran across the car park, jumped over the fence and went to help.

"When I arrived there was only me and another lad from the swimming pool who was trying to help.

"There were three people injured. It looked like the man had done the other two and done away with himself.

"There was a man, an older woman, and a younger woman. They looked like a family.

"The man was already dead when I got there. The older woman was very badly injured and I tried CPR on her while the guy from the swimming baths tried on the younger woman who didn't look as bad.

"I would say the younger woman was around 20. The older woman was about 40 and the man looked in his late 40s."

32 A bloodstained item - possibly clothing or a package - can be seen on the floor where the shootings took place Credit: SWNS-Cambridge

32 Forensic tents have been set up where people were gunned down this morning outside a swimming pool Credit: Sky News

A house in nearby Moulton was raided by armed police hours after the deaths, reportedly to do with this morning's incident.

A man who lives on the road, who asked not to be named, saw a number of police vehicles arrive at a house shortly before 10am this morning.

He said: "There are currently two police cars, a police van and an undercover van at the house.

"They (police) have been there all morning, they were all piling in.

"There has been a series of burglaries in the area. We thought it was something to do with that."

Gary Mound, who owns the Post Office in Moulton, Lincs., said: "I just got back from Peterborough and there are people in the post office saying there's quite a lot of police activity in Hatt Close.

"It's absolutely shocking."

Lincolnshire Police have so far refused to confirm whether the raid on the property is linked to the triple shooting.

32 A house on Hatt Rd, in Moulton, near Spalding which is being searched by police after the triple shooting Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

32 Staff from the sports complex and swimming pool look over at the cordoned off area where three people died Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-+44 (0)1179066550

Cllr Gary Porter, leader of South Holland District Council, has described the incident as a "tragic family incident".

He said: "It looks from what we have seen so far, it is a tragic family incident - that is what I have been led to believe.

"Police are not looking for anyone else. Feel sorry for the people's families who are involved and be grateful it's not yours.

"Everything we have seen so far suggests it is a domestic. Staff at the swimming pool have been interviewed.

"It is a tragic event on a personal scale rather than community scale."

Officers rushed to the scene after reports a person had been injured in a "firearms incident" just after 9am.

32 Police are still investigating after three people were killed this morning outside a swimming pool Credit: Sky News

32 Police, paramedics and an air ambulance were called to the scene of the shooting this morning Credit: Nigel Chapman

Laura Spring, who works at the Woodlands Hotel on Pinchbeck Road, near to the site of the shooting, told the Lincolnshire Echo, said: "It is absolutely devastating. I have a cold shiver running down my spine."

Police investigators have set up a white forensic tent in the swimming pool car park where it is believed at least one of the victims were found.

A small hatchback is currently being searched by forensic teams, which is parked next to a blue Citroen C1 and a white Ford Kuga 4x4 vehicle.

John Tippler, 86, was sitting reading in the living room of his home in Spalding, Lincs., when he heard three bangs at around 9am.

He said: "We heard three bangs in the morning, my dog looked up at me and I reassured her it was fine.

"We usually hear bangs from Elderkins Gun Shop - they have a place at the park where people can shoot into the air."

Mr Tippler said the bangs sounded like blasts from a shotgun but he says he did not hear any screams or shouts.

He had left his four-bedroom detached home which stands by the road leading to the swimming pool to walk his dog at 8am.

"We usually go by the swimming pool around the field but today I went a different route," he added.

"It's very sad to hear three people have died."

32 The scene at Castle Sports Complex swimming pool in Spalding this morning after a triple shooting Credit: Sky News

32 Three people have died - including the gunman - in a shooting at a public swimming pool in Lincolnshire Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

Leader of the Labour party Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: "Shocking events in Spalding, Lincolnshire. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."

Keith Mayo, 30, arrived at the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding, Lincs., for his morning gym session at 10.30am to find the area cordoned off.

The father-of-one said: "When I got here after dropping my kid off I saw the air ambulance on the field next to the gym and all the ambulances.

"I thought someone had hurt themselves in the gym but it was not until I called my cousin in London that I learned three people had been shot.

"It was already all over the news, it's shocking."

Mum Jemma Prescott, 30, said: "I have not long finished work and just came into town to hear people talking about a shooting. It makes you think.

"Spalding has completely changed. I have a four year old son and I'm not sure I want him growing up here."

32 Forensic tents were set up immediately after the deaths were confirmed as a police cordon surrounded the area Credit: PA:Press Association

32 Police stand guard at the cordon which surrounds the scene of the shooting at the swimming pool Credit: PA:Press Association

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "We heard all the police cars earlier this morning - they were absolutely everywhere, tearing around.

"We didn't hear any shots, nothing at all, only the dozens, literally dozens, of police cars. It must have been about half past nine or quarter to 10 when it started and there was car after car."

Another local, who asked not to be named, said an air ambulance was still outside the swimming pool more than an hour after the incident.

A statement on the Lincolnshire Police website confirmed the fatalities.

It read: "We can confirm that there has been a firearms incident on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding in the vicinity of the Castle Swimming Pool, in which three people have been fatally wounded, including the suspected offender.

"There is an ongoing police investigation and at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

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"There is no indication that this is a terrorist related incident and no shots have been fired by police. We would urge members of the public to stay away from the area at the present time.

"Any witnesses to the incident, who haven’t already spoken with officers at the scene, are asked to call 101, quoting incident number 92 of July 19."

People who were in the swimming pool this morning are being kept inside, it has been reported, as police are still investigating at the scene.

Some schools in the area were reportedly on lockdown following the fatal shootings.

32 The swimming pool is near to Spalding's police station Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-+44 (0)1179066550

32 Police were sent to the scene in large numbers, along with paramedics and an air ambulance Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-+44 (0)1179066550

32 Police rushed to the sports complex and swimming pool this morning before confirming that three people were dead after a "firearms incident" Credit: Google Maps

The Lincolnshire Echo reported Spalding Grammar School was not allowing anyone out of the school, but others in the area said they are aware of the shooting but are operating as normal.

A spokeswoman for the East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust said they were called to the scene at 9.04am.

She said: "Our ambulance crews and Paramedic Officer were sent to the emergency and told to approach with caution.

"Upon arriving at scene our paramedics treated three patients who had gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene the patients were pronounced dead.

"This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the friends and families of those involved."

32 The sports complex near to where the fatal shootings took place - police have said they do not believe it to be terror related Credit: Google Maps

32 Police, paramedics and an air ambulance were scrambled to the site at about 9am this morning Credit: SWNS-Cambridge-

Witnesses at the scene said they heard a noise like a "bird scarer" before police, an air ambulance and paramedics arrived.

District councillor Gary Taylor, who represents Spalding Castle ward, said: "It's terrible news and local people are very shocked. It's a very quiet place, gun crime does not exist in this area at all. It's shocking news."

The Spalding Guardian reported that six police cars were at the scene on Tuesday morning and that local businesses had been told to keep their doors locked.

The swimming pool is near to Spalding's police station.

The Castle Sports Complex and Pool houses a gymnasium, swimming pool, an eight-court badminton sports hall, crèche, meeting rooms, fitness classes, indoor bowls and bar.

The complex issued a statement on their Facebook page which apologised "for any inconvenience caused" and said the swimming pool is closed "due to an incident in the local area".

The sports centre is open and the website will be updated with developments.

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