A murder investigation has been launched after a mother and her two children were found dead at a property near Bedford.

On Monday, Bedfordshire Police forced entry into an address on Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, after receiving reports the family had not been seen for several days.

Officers said they had identified a suspect, who was known to all the victims, but they believed they had left the country.

Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.”

“This is the early stages of what is an incredibly complex investigation. We are committing all necessary resources to establish exactly what has happened and to find the person responsible,” he added.

The force said there was nothing to suggest there was any wider risk to the public, but it would be increasing patrols and the number of uniformed officers in the area.

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Those with information about the incident, or who saw any suspicious activity in the area on Friday or Saturday, have been asked to contact Bedfordshire Police, external.

The force said formal identification had to be completed before the identities of the deceased or the suspect could be publicly released.

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