- On Monday evening, Bedfordshire Police said that a man was arrested following a violent confrontation that left two men dead and a third seriously injured.
Police were called shortly before 1.20am on Sunday (13 November), following reports of a man being struck by a vehicle in Tithe Farm Road, Houghton Regis.
Officers arrested the man in his 30s on suspicion of two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
15/11/22 - update - Police now say two people have been arrested.
Emergency services attended the scene where two men, one in his late 20s and another in his late 30s, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third man, also in his late 20s, was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
T/Detective Superintendent Carl Foster, investigating said, ‘This was a shocking incident which has occurred in busy area of Houghton Regis and has no doubt caused great concern to the local community.
“We have a dedicated team working on this investigation and are carrying out a range of enquiries in order to bring those responsible to justice. People will see an increased police presence in the town over the coming days and we are continuing to offer support to the families affected at this difficult time.
“The investigation team has been greatly assisted by the response from residents, we have received an incredible amount of information from the public. Please do continue to come forward with anything that might be relevant in assisting us to establish who is responsible.
“In a week where forces nationally are responding to knife crime, we are committed to tackling this issue. This incident depicts a level of violence that we will not allow to go unpunished, and equally we will work hard to prevent.”
- Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or report online quoting Operation Crux. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cllr Yvonne Farrell, Town Mayor
As published by HRTC Facebook Page
"On behalf of the Town Council, we are deeply saddened by the recent tragic event which has happened in the town. Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families affected by this horrific tragedy.
May those who have lost their lives rest in peace, and those who have been injured make a full recovery."
Cllr Pat Hamill, CBC, Tithe Farm
“I know we are all shocked and saddened by the past events over the last two days in our town.
My thoughts go out to the families. They need space and time to grieve. The Police need the time to investigate this incident fully.
We must allow this sad event to run its course and respond accordingly.”
Cllr Susan Goodchild, CBC, Houghton Hall
“WORDS OF SUPPORT FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC NEWS OF THE LOSS OF TWO YOUNG LIVES IN OUR COMMUNITY
I wish I could find words of encouragement following this tragic news.
The incident which has taken place is unbelievable, unexplained, tragic and a crime all at once. As a community, we must devote our energies and abilities to taking positive actions, words, and deeds.
I will be forever grateful for the emergency services in these tragic circumstances, none of whom are immune from the pain and shock. So many people are hurting at this time, my immediate thoughts and prayers go out to the families and those closest to them, who have been directly affected.
An extremely sad situation.”
Labour councillors and Police Issue Joint Statement
“Firstly, we would like to once again acknowledge the 2 devastating fatal stabbings in Houghton Regis that took place in the early hours of Sunday 13th November. Our sincere thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones at this very difficult time. We sincerely hope that the young man who sustained critical injuries, makes a full recovery and receives support for trauma he has experienced
“Yesterday, The Labour Party Councillors, Antonia Ryan, Clare Coplestone, Abby Slough, Chris Slough, and Martin Kennedy (Independent) met with the Cray Birch, Chief Inspector, Central Community Team, to discuss the next steps for Houghton Regis in response to our open letter. During our call, we asked that our personal thanks is put on record for the emergency services that attended the scene and the ongoing work thereafter.
“After listening to residents and hearing their concerns, we have now agreed to issue a joint press release, which is below:
“Joint Press Release
* Councillors and Bedfordshire Police agree that we never want to see this happen in Houghton Regis again and preventive measures will be put in place by using a multi-agency approach.
* A working group will be established made up of Councillors, the youth engagement teams, mental health professionals, the Police, and CBC, to look at the short, medium and long-term strategy for knife crime within the town.
* Further reassurance patrols by uniformed police in Houghton Regis have been agreed to increase presence including dedicated officers.
* Campaign for a knife amnesty - The Community team will be outperforming weapon sweeps, talking in schools and promoting the operation on social media platforms. Operation Sceptre: Tackling knife crime in our county | Bedfordshire Police (beds.police.uk)
* Members of our community will be offered mental health support, not only to those who are immediately affected but to the wider community who may have been impacted.
* A hub will be set up with partners from mental health services, the Police, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) community safety team to deal with the ripple effect across the community and the trauma this has caused including bereavement/emotional support to also help alleviate some of the fears.
* Councillors have agreed to signpost residents to the necessary services.
Councillors acknowledge the funding cuts to Bedfordshire Police next year and we, the Labour Party, and Martin Kennedy have committed to lobbying the government to ensure that Houghton Regis does not suffer any more losses to the operations.”
Festus Akinbusoye, Police and Crime Commissioner
“Following a double murder and an attempted murder in Houghton Regis in the early hours of Sunday 13 November, it is reassuring that an arrest has been made today, Monday 14. Investigations continue with dedicated team of officers. People will also see an increased police presence in the town over the coming days and Bedfordshire Police continues to offer support to the families affected at this difficult time.Huge thanks to those who have already provided valuable information to Bedfordshire Police on this investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or report online quoting Operation Crux. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
- Find out the locations of the county-wide weapons bins, and more about the work the force is doing with its partners to tackle knife crime and violent offenders, and getting dangerous weapons off the streets.
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