Somerset couple murdered in their home as children slept upstairs

A couple were killed in their home as their two children were asleep upstairs according to the Police.

Jennifer and Stephen Chapple were found seriously injured at the house in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset, on Sunday. They died at the scene.

Their children, aged five and six, are being looked after by family members.

Two men, aged 34 and 67, were arrested on suspicion of murder. The older man has been released under investigation.

Magistrates granted an extension to the custody time limit in relation to the younger man.

A post-mortem examination confirmed Mrs Chapple died from multiple stab wounds.

Det Insp Neil Meade, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “What happened to Stephen and Jennifer is utterly heart-breaking and I can’t begin to imagine the impact their deaths will have on their two children.

“This is a tragic incident which has shocked the community.”

Avon and Somerset Police refused to elaborate on social media reports that there had been an ongoing dispute about parking on the estate.

But due to prior contact with the couple, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

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