Three arrests after two men shot dead in Cambridgeshire villages in ‘targeted’ attack
Three people have been arrested after two men were shot dead in what police say were “targeted” attacks.
Police found the body of a 32-year-old man after gunshots were heard in Meridian Close, Bluntisham, just after 9pm on Wednesday (March 29).
Then at 9.37pm, officers were called to reports of shots in nearby Sutton and found the body of a 57-year-old man at a property in The Row.
Formal identification of the victims has yet to be carried out.
A 27-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were arrested in the early hours of today (Thursday) in Cambridge, while a 66-year-old man was arrested in the Worcester area.
All three were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
A car that was believed to have been used by the offender, a white Peugeot 208, and a shotgun have been recovered.
The properties in Meridian Close and The Row have been cordoned off and police officers remain at the scenes.
Sutton resident Chris Elliott said: “People in the village woke up to this news this morning and it’s fair to say there’s a real sense of shock, even disbelief. This sort of thing simply doesn’t happen in a village like this, although we have 6,000 residents. None of the older people I’ve spoken to can ever remember anything as serious as this happening before.
“The Row, where the incident happened, is one of the most scenic streets in Sutton, and pretty well known in many other parts of Cambridgeshire too, so that makes it even more shocking.”
Detective Inspector Mark Butler, from the major crime unit, said: “Tonight we have launched two linked murder investigations following the shootings of two men at separate properties in the county.
“These events will be shocking to local people and there will be understandable concerns within local communities, however, we are treating the attacks as targeted and there is no wider risk to the general public. There will be an increased police presence in the areas concerned today and officers and scenes of crime officers will be at the scenes throughout the day.
“Our thoughts also go out to the family and friends of the victims. Specially trained officers are in touch with them and they are helping our investigation.
“Detectives are now beginning inquiries into how these events unfolded and we are appealing to anyone who was in either area and saw anyone acting suspiciously or a white Peugeot 208.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be very important to our investigation.”
Police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston added: “I want to express my deepest sympathy with anyone who has been affected by the events that took place last night in Bluntisham and Sutton and completely understand how shocked local people will be.
“I will continue to be briefed by the chief constable throughout the investigation and am sure you will understand that while that is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.
“I would like to reassure local residents that these incidents are thought to be targeted therefore there is no risk to the wider community.”
Anyone with information should report online here or via the web chat service and quote Operation Scan. Those without internet access should call 101.
