Murder investigation launched after two die in Houghton Regis

Detectives have launched a double murder investigation after being called to reports of a man being struck by a vehicle in Tithe Farm Road at 1.18am. Emergency services attended and found three men with stab wounds. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

While the victims have yet to be formally identified, specially trained officers are supporting family members.

A large police presence remains in the town while investigations are carried out to establish the full circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible. Additional patrols will also be in the town over the coming days.

T/Detective Superintendent Carl Foster from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “This was a horrific incident which has resulted in two young men losing their lives and a third suffering very serious injuries. I understand how concerning this will be for residents, however from what we know so far we believe this to be a contained incident with no wider ongoing threat to the public.

“There can be absolutely no excuse for such violence and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.

"The area was fairly busy at the time and I would urge anyone who saw what happened, or anything leading up to it, to contact police."

Anyone with any information should call police quoting Operation Crux on 101, via the online reporting tool or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.