Police were called to property in Crawley Down where they also found a man seriously injured

This article is more than 9 months old

This article is more than 9 months old

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the deaths of two women outside a property in a West Sussex village.

Police said they were called shortly before 10.20am on Sunday to an address in Crawley Down, where they also found a seriously injured man inside.

Sussex police gave no further details about the arrested man or the cause of death. The injured man was taken to Royal Sussex County hospital in Brighton.

In response to reports that a knife had been involved, DCI Alex Geldart of the Sussex and Surrey major crime team, who is leading the investigation, said: “I wish to make it absolutely clear that this is not a knife crime.

She added: “At this time we believe this to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing risk to members of the public. This is a fast-moving investigation which will see significant police resources deployed to the scene for the foreseeable future. We are grateful for the support and patience of the local community while we conduct our inquiries.

“My thoughts are very much with the friends and family of the two women who have sadly lost their lives.”



Pictures taken at the scene on Hazel Way showed white sheets covering what were believed to be two bodies. A neighbour told PA Media there were seven police cars and two ambulances parked in the street and a helicopter overhead.

“All I know is that I was coming home from Crawley at around 11.30am and I was passed by the ambulance crews and most of the police cars,” he said.

Three forensics tents were pitched in the street, while residents said 10 police cars had initially been dispatched to the scene.

Investigators in white suits could be seen combing the area for evidence. A police cordon remained in place around the houses close to where the bodies were found.

Forensics officers were searching the front garden of a property on Hazel Way. A neighbour, who did not see or hear anything during the incident and did not want to be named, described the area as quiet but said the incident was frightening.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact them.