Police treating Costessey deaths of woman and two children as murder

Detectives say they were found with stab wounds to their necks

The deaths of a woman and two children at a house in Costessey, near Norwich, are being treated as murder, Norfolk Police has said.

Kanticha Sukpengpanao, 36, Jasmin Kuczynska, 12 and Natasha Kuczynska, eight, were found with stab wounds to their necks on Friday.

The death of Bartlomiej Kuczynski, 45, who was also found with a stab wound to his neck at the same property, is not being treated as suspicious, and officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the killings.

Natasha’s age has been updated by police as eight, after it was originally reported she was nine.

The four bodies were discovered by police at a house in Allan Bedford Crescent at around 7.15 on Friday morning after a 999 call from a member of the public.

Detectives said the man and two children lived at the address, but the woman was visiting and lived elsewhere.

A man had earlier called 999 from the property at around 6am that day, but police were not dispatched.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Burgess, who is leading the investigation, said: “We understand how incredibly shocking this incident is for all involved and for the wider community, and that this latest update adds to the sense of heartbreak.

“Our thoughts are with the family of those found at the property grieving such a traumatic loss.

“We would like to thank the community for their help and will continue to provide reassurance patrols in the area.

“A cordon will remain on at the address whilst we finalise our detailed examination of the scene.”

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the first 999 call on Friday, which did not result in the deployment of officers, and over police contact at the address on December 14, relating to a missing person inquiry.

On Tuesday, IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “Norfolk Constabulary established that the man had made a 999 call to the force shortly before 6am on January 19.

“During that call the man expressed concerns for his own mental state saying he was confused.

“He was advised to seek medical advice and police did not attend.

“At around 7am the force received a call from a dog walker concerned for the welfare of those within the home.

“Officers attended shortly after and, tragically, found the man, a woman and two children dead.

“Following a mandatory referral from the force we have decided to investigate and will be examining if the force’s handling of the contact they had with the man was appropriate and in line with force policy, training and procedures.”

Published: 24/01/2024 by Radio NewsHub