Thorney: Triple Murder Investigation

4 April 2013, 13:57 | Updated: 4 April 2013, 17:08

Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed that two men found dead in Thorney were murdered, and that their deaths are being linked to the recent murder of a man from Peterborough.

Detectives have confirmed they are investigating the deaths of the two men, whose bodies were discovered at Thorney Dyke [pictured - right], as part of Operation Darcy.

Operation Darcy is the investigation into the murder of 48 year old Kevin Lee.

Police were called to Thorney Dyke just before 11.30am yesterday (Wednesday) by a member of public. 

One of the men was in his 30s and the other his 50s, but Police say they cannot be named at this time as formal identification has not yet taken place. 

The area around the dyke was cordoned off to investigate the deaths, which are now being treated as murder.

Post mortem examinations are due to take place tomorrow (Friday) at Peterborough City Hospital. 

Operation Darcy was launched following the discovery of 48 year old Kevin Lee’s body in a ditch in Newborough, near Peterborough, on Saturday (March 30).

He had last been seen at 2pm on Good Friday and was reported missing later that day.

A post mortem examination revealed he had died as a result of stab wounds.

A total of five people have now been arrested in connection with Operation Darcy.

Detective Superintendent Jeff Hill said: "This inquiry is a priority for the force and we have a large team of detectives working on it.

There will also be extra police officers out on patrol in the areas where the bodies were discovered.

These events are naturally very concerning and local people are understandably shocked by what has happened.

However, the deaths are being linked and treated as part of the same isolated incident over the Easter weekend.

I would like to stress I believe there is no ongoing risk to the public.”

A 36-year-old man, who was charged with perverting the course of justice, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning (Wednesday) and has been remanded to appear at Peterborough Crown Court later this month. 

A 47-year-old man and the 30-year-old woman who were arrested in Hereford both remain in custody.

A 32-year-old man and a 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder over the weekend have been released on bail.

Meanwhile Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Sir Graham Bright, had this message of reassurance for residents: "These incidents are being investigated by the collaborated tri-force Major Crime Unit. 

The benefit of a large, coordinated unit is that it provides  resource, resilience and flexibility where and when it is most needed in any of the three force areas. 

That should offer the people in those communities reassurance that a dedicated team is working hard on the investigations."