A manhunt is continuing for a murder suspect believed to have killed a mother and her two children before fleeing the UK.

Bedfordshire Police forced entry into a house on Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday after receiving reports the family had not been seen for several days.

Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “We have identified a suspect who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.”

Tributes have been paid to the victims, with one woman tearfully laying flowers at the scene saying: “We’re really sorry to lose her. She’s was such a gracious mother.”

The house’s drive was cordoned off and bunches of flowers were laid on a hedge outside the house.

Murphy had previously said it was “a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered”.

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

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.

Formal identification of the victims has not yet taken place.

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