A worker from a builder's merchant is believed to have shot dead his wife and daughter near a swimming pool in a small market town in central England.
The incident occurred near Castle Swimming Pool in Spalding, Lincolnshire, when Lance Hart (57) killed partner Claire (50) and 19-year-old daughter Charlotte with a shotgun, before turning the weapon on himself.
Officers and paramedics battled to save the two women, who they found gravely injured at about 9am on Tuesday.
Mr Hart was already dead when police arrived at the scene, and no shots were fired by officers.
Investigators have raided the family home in Hatt Close, Moulton.
One local, who did not want to be identified, said: “From what I understand a man shot himself and his family. We have heard it’s a self-contained incident.”
A spokesman for Lincolnshire police said: “We can confirm that there has been a firearms incident on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding, in the vicinity of the Castle Swimming Pool, in which three people have been fatally wounded, including the suspected offender.
“There is an ongoing police investigation and at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
East Midlands ambulance service said paramedics were told to approach the scene with caution and fought to save the three people who died.
A spokeswoman said: “We received a call at 9.04am reporting gunshots on Pinchbeck Lane, Spalding.
“Our ambulance crews and paramedic officer were sent to the emergency and told to approach with caution.
“Upon arriving at scene, our paramedics treated three patients who had gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene the patients were pronounced dead.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the friends and families of those involved.”
The air ambulance was also called.
‘Terrible news’
Local councillor Gary Taylor said: “It’s terrible news and local people are very shocked.
“It’s a very quiet place, gun crime does not exist in this area at all. It’s shocking news.”
Eyewitnesses reported hearing “dozens” of police cars and an air ambulance heading to the scene.
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “We heard all the police cars earlier this morning - they were absolutely everywhere, tearing around.
“We didn’t hear any shots, nothing at all, only the dozens, literally dozens, of police cars. It must have been about 9.30am or 9.45am when it started and there was car after car.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Twitter: “Shocking events in Spalding, Lincolnshire. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
PA