Police launch murder investigation after shooting in St Leonards
Police have launched a murder investigation after a two women were shot dead in a house in St Leonards.
Officers responded immediately to a report of a shooting at 7.43pm in Bexhill Road on Friday (16 March). Firearms officers were able to lead two other women from the house to safety and they were taken to hospital. Both were uninjured but suffering from shock. One of these women is pregnant.
Two hours later a 35-year-old man was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of murder and a firearm was seized. The women were known to the suspect.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Tingley said: “Tragically two women aged 32 and 53 have died after being shot and our thoughts are with their family and friends. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident but we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.”
If you witnessed the incident or have any information please contact police online or ring 101 quoting Operation Winlot.
UPDATE
St Leonards shooting: Man charged with two murders
A man has been charged with two counts of murder following the fatal shooting in St Leonards, on Friday evening (16 March).
Following authorisation by the Crown Prosecution Service, Craig Savage, 35, of no fixed address, has been charged with the murders of Michelle Savage and Heather Whitbread at their home in Bexhill Road. He is also charged with committing robbery in relation to the theft of a .22 calibre rifle firearm and ammunition from the 1066 Target Sports, Sedlescombe Road North, St Leonards, on Friday (16 March).
Savage has been remanded in custody to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court via videolink on Tuesday (20 March).