A MURDER investigation was launched today after three people were found dead in a leafy village following reports of "gunshots."

A man and woman, in their 60s, and a man in his 50s were found dead at the property following the "serious" attack in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire.

Cops said that there was evidence suggesting a "serious assault" had occured in the sheltered housing scheme where the bodies were discovered.

All three victims were previously known to each other, police confirmed.

Terrified residents living at Orchard House said they were awoken to sounds of "gunshots" and armed police, before emergency services made the grim find on Tuesday night.

A large police presence continued today following the attack – which is said to have happened in the foyer of the building.

Most read in The Sun

And officers admitted they are dealing with a "very complex enquiry."

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: "The Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation following an incident in Bourne End.

"At around 9.55pm yesterday, officers attended an address in Spring Gardens following reports of a disturbance.

"Inside, officers found three people deceased and evidence to suggest a serious assault had occurred.

"The deceased are a man and a woman, both in their 60s and from Bourne End, and a man in his 50s from Hazlemere, Bucks. All known to each other."

A pathologist and a large number of senior detectives from the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Team were seen entering and leaving the flats today.

One resident living within the Orchard House complex, who wished to remain unnamed, said: "I woke up find to 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 it was chaos.

"Red Kite should be more careful in future, as there's an unlocked door that has been unlocked for months now, even though we've told them about it."

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

'MAJOR INCIDENT'

“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.

“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 pubic 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.”

A Red Kite Housing spokesperson said: "We are aware of an incident at one of our sheltered schemes, Orchard House in Bourne End. 

"We are currently working with the police to help assist with their investigation."

South Central Ambulance Service has been contacted for information.

Source: Read Full Article