A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three elderly men, including 84-year-old twin brothers, were found dead in Exeter.

Police said they were linking the deaths as all the victims suffered "significant levels of injuries" and there was "some commonality between the two incidents".

However they said it was not yet possible to find a link between the twins and the other man.

The first victim, who Sky News understands is 80-year-old Anthony Payne, was confirmed dead after police were called to an address in Bonhay Road at around 3pm on Monday 11 February.

The bodies of the twins, who Sky sources named as Dick and Roger Carter, were found at an address in Cowick Lane at around 1pm yesterday.


Image: The twins were found at an address on Cowick Lane on Tuesday

A 27-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday evening on suspicion of murder and is being held by Devon and Cornwall Police.

The two roads where the bodies were found are only around a mile apart.

Post-mortem examinations on all three victims should be completed later on Wednesday, police said.

Anyone who was in the area of Bonhay Road and Cowick Lane between 8am on Sunday and 1pm on Tuesday, and may have seen anything relevant, is asked to contact detectives.

"While a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to these incidents, we must keep an open mind and avoid speculation as we are still in the very early stages of what is already a complex investigation," said Superintendent Matt Lawler.

Image: Police said they were linking the deaths

"We have therefore issued an appeal for information from the public and for any potential witnesses who were in either area during specific times.

"It is vital that anyone who has any information shares with us it as soon as possible."

:: Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 472 11 February.