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Somerset: Neighbours 'shocked' at killing of couple at their home amid reports of parking space row

The couple in their 30s, named in tributes and by neighbours as Stephen and Jennifer Chapple, died at the house in the village of Norton Fitzwarren while two children were inside.

Crime scene in where a couple died in Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset
Image: A police cordon at the scene in Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset
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Friends and neighbours have spoken of their 'shock and sadness' after a man and woman were killed at their Somerset home whilst two children were inside the house.

The couple in their 30s, named in tributes and by neighbours as Stephen and Jennifer Chapple, died at the property in the village of Norton Fitzwarren on Sunday night.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to the house on Dragon Rise at 9.45pm.

Two men, aged 34 and 67, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

flowers at the scene of the suspected murder in Dragon Rise in Norton Fitzwarren. Two men, aged 34 and 67, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in custody for questioning
Image: Flowers have been laid in Dragon Rise

The 67-year-old has now been released under investigation. The 34-year-old, understood to be an immediate neighbour, remains in custody.

On Tuesday, police forensic teams remained at the scene, with the entire street still under a cordon.

A police drone has been flying above the properties and specialist equipment to clear drains also used.

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One neighbour, who didn't want to be named, said their kids knew each other: "I'm in shock. It's unbelievable it has happened so close to home.

"They were well known. I knew them through school. They were very friendly, always said hello, it's so sad."

Police say the children in the house, understood to be boys, were unhurt and are being looked after by specially trained officers.

Police at the scene  Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man and a woman were killed in a village in Somerset.    The man and woman, both in their 30s, were found with serious injuries at an address in Dragon Rise in Norton Fitzwarren at around 9.45pm on Sunday, Avon and Somerset Police said.    Despite the efforts of emergency services, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.    Two children were in the property at the time of the killings, the force said.
Image: Two men, aged 34 and 67, were arrested on suspicion of murder. The 34-year-old remains in custody.
Police at the scene - Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man and a woman were killed in a village in Somerset.    The man and woman, both in their 30s, were found with serious injuries at an address in Dragon Rise in Norton Fitzwarren at around 9.45pm on Sunday, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Image: Police are carrying out a murder investigation

There have been reports that a row over parking spaces had taken place.

"It appears each house has two spaces, but I wasn't aware there was an issue," the neighbour added.

Another neighbour, Lu Graca, lives behind the couple's home and told Sky News what he heard on Sunday night.

He said: "On Sunday night we were in the living room. I saw blue lights, police, ambulance and went into the kid's room and saw lots of police cars, helicopter. I realised something really bad had happened.

flowers at the scene - Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man and a woman were killed in a village in Somerset.    The man and woman, both in their 30s, were found with serious injuries at an address in Dragon Rise in Norton Fitzwarren at around 9.45pm on Sunday, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Image: Tributes have been paid to the couple who were found with serious injuries in their home on Sunday and later died

"I saw guys with white suits on in the house. I feel bad. I saw them a few times from our window and they look like a normal family, kids playing, doing a BBQ. All of us are sad. It's so bad for community."

Avon and Somerset Police said that due to prior police contact with those involved, a mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.