Tributes paid to four members of family found dead in Norfolk

Churches are opening in Norfolk to allow people to pay tribute to four members of the same family who were found dead at a house just outside Norwich.

The bodies of a 45-year-old man, 36-year-old woman and two young children were found at the home in Costessey on Friday, after a call from a member of the public shortly before 7am.

Norfolk police said the man and two children lived at the address, but the woman was visiting and lived elsewhere. All four were found with injuries.

The bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, said local clergy were offering support in the communities they serve and would be opening churches over the weekend for those who wish to pay tribute.

Among the churches opening is St Edmund’s in Costessey, where people can light a candle and pray between 3pm and 4pm on Saturday.

The diocese of Norwich Facebook account wrote: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the tragic news in Costessey.”

Norfolk police Det Ch Insp Chris Burgess saidhe was confidentthat it was an isolated incident but was “keeping an open mind”.

“I would stress to the community, let’s be very aware of what we share on social media without confirmed information.

“We don’t want to cause any undue distress or give false information that might actually hamper the investigation rather than support it.”

He said officers had attended the property on 14 December 2023 in relation to a missing person inquiry.

A cordon is in place and detectives from both Norfolk and Suffolk police forces are leading the investigation.

Formal identification has not yet taken place and forensic examinations are still under way.

Local people described their distress at the news on Friday. One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s very sad and we’re shocked. Nothing like this happens round here. It’s a very quiet neighbourhood.”

Another resident, a man in his 40s, told the Eastern Daily Press: “Our thoughts are with those who know and love them because this is just horrendous. You don’t know how to react to such news.”

Sharon Blundell, the Liberal Democrat Norfolk county councillor for Costessey, said: “I am still in total shock, along with the rest of the community.”