POLICE have arrested a 27-year-old man after three elderly pensioners were found dead at two separate homes just a mile apart in Devon.
On Monday, an 80-year-old man was found dead at a property on Bonhay Road in Exeter at around 3pm.
Less than 24 hours later at 1pm on Tuesday, police found the bodies of two 84-year-old twin brothers at a property in nearby Cowick Lane.
The pair have been named as Dick and Roger Carter, who were born in September 1934.
Devon and Cornwall Police have described the deaths as "an unprecedented event in our city", and today announced they were linking their murder investigations as all three victims suffered similar injuries.
A suspect, 27, has been arrested and remains in custody for questioning, a spokesman for the force said.
House on Cowick Lane where 2 84 year old men were found dead on Tuesday - their deaths and being linked to death of 80 year old man 1.4 miles away - police have till tonight to question 27yo male on suspicion of their murder pic.twitter.com/WzDbEZZaXx
— Dan Whitehead (@danwnews) 13 February 2019
Superintendent Matt Lawler said the triple murders had caused "significant and understandable concern" in the community and "shocked us all".
He added: "I know that everyone's immediate thoughts will be with the family and friends of these gentlemen, and as you would expect, we are providing as much support as we can to them."
"The investigation is being led by our Major Crime Investigation team, supported by local detectives, forensic staff, family liaison officers, and an extensive range of other specialists who have been working around the clock since Monday afternoon.
"Residents in the area of both Bonhay Road and Cowick Lane will continue to see police cordons today as we continue vital work.
"The local neighbourhood team will be out on foot over the next few days in order to provide advice, support, and to answer questions".
Footage of today's murder probe press conference #Exeter https://t.co/OI3GK7Ekzc
— Devon Live News (@DevonLiveNews) 13 February 2019
Speaking about the arrest, Supt Lawler said: "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.
"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."
Detectives have appealed for potential witnesses or anyone who may have any relevant information to get in touch.
Anyone who was in the area of Bonhay Road and/or Cowick Lane between 8am on Sunday, February 10 and 1pm on Tuesday, February 12 is urged to contact police on 101 quoting log 472 February 11.
