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 has been cordoned off and bunches of flowers have been laid on a hedge outside.

Early morning dog walkers spoke of their shock at the news.

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Jess Roland said: “My husband shared it with me yesterday when I was at work and it completely took me aback.

“I actually almost wanted to fact check it to see if it was true because it just doesn’t seem like something that would happen here – but obviously it could happen to anybody.”

Her husband Tim said it was “just incredibly shocking and just really sad”.

Brian Cheyne said: “It’s absolutely shocking, especially the two young children.

“It’s been about three or four days before it was found out – absolutely horrific.

“It’s a nice area, [a] quiet area. My wife and some of the people around here are just very much surprised.”

Laura Watson-Smith described Great Denham as a quiet and friendly village.

“Everyone’s very shocked and it’s incredibly sad and scary to hear that something like that has happened in the village,” she said.

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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