Two Women And Four Dogs 'Shot Dead' In Surrey

Two Women And Four Dogs 'Shot Dead' In Surrey
An 82-year-old man is held on suspicion of murder following the discovery of two bodies along with four dead dogs in Surrey.

Police are questioning a pensioner after two women and four dogs were found dead with gunshot wounds.

Armed officers were called to Keepers Cottage Stud, close to Crooksbury Road, in Farnham, Surrey, on Sunday morning following reports a firearm had been discharged.

Police searched the area and found the bodies of a woman understood to be in her forties, and another woman in her sixties. The pair are believed to be mother and daughter.

Both had suffered gunshot wounds, although post-mortem examinations have yet to take place.

Four dogs were also found dead at the property with similar injuries. A gun was found at the scene.

John Lowe, 82, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody while inquiries continue.

The women and the man are thought to know each other and police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston said: "It is extremely sad that two people have lost their lives and police family liaison officers are working to support their relatives and friends at this very difficult time.

"We are conducting a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these two deaths, however, at this time, we believe this is an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the wider community.

"Officers remain at the scene conducting enquiries and will be on site for some time. This investigation is in its early stages and we will issue updates when we have them."

Mr Preston said he could not say if the gun that was found was legally owned, but he confirmed that police had dealings with the arrested pensioner in the past and that the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Police said on Monday evening that they had been granted a further 24 hours to question the man.

The RSPCA confirmed a "significant number of animals" had been found at the premises, including dogs, cats and horses.

Spokeswoman Calie Rydings said: "We are aware of the situation and working with police to ensure the welfare of the animals involved.

"We can confirm there are a number of animals at the property and will update people on the situation as soon as we can."

Mr Lowe was fined £2,000 in 2009 and banned from keeping dog-breeding premises for five years after he was found guilty of illegally breeding puppies at Keepers Cottage in 2009 following an investigation by Waverley Borough Council.

http://news.sky.com/story/1216396/two-women-and-four-dogs-shot-dead-in-surrey

What on earth was going on there? They'd had dealings with him in the past, what does that mean?