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Crawley Down: Double murder suspect in 'unstable' condition Crawley Down: Double murder suspect in 'unstable' condition
(about 11 hours later)
A man arrested on suspicion of murdering two women in a village in West Sussex is in a "very unstable condition" in hospital, police said.A man arrested on suspicion of murdering two women in a village in West Sussex is in a "very unstable condition" in hospital, police said.
The 37-year-old is at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, being treated for serious injuries. One of the victims of the attack in Crawley Down has been named locally as 76-year-old Sandy Seagrave.
Two women, aged 32 and 76, were found dead at a house in Hazel Way, Crawley Down, on Sunday morning. She was found dead outside a house in Hazel Way, alongside the body of a 32-year-old woman, on Sunday.
The man, who knew one of the women, was found injured inside the property by police at 10:20 GMT. The 37-year-old suspect, who knew one of the women, is at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.
'Tragic' He was found injured inside the property by police at 10:20 GMT, on Sunday.
'Lovely lady'
Retired milkman Tony Jones, 74, said of Ms Seagrave: "Everybody knows Sandy because she used to walk round the village.
"Everybody used to see her, wave to her... a lovely lady.
"I can't believe what happened to her," he said.
A message written on a bouquet of flowers at the police cordon read: "A terrible tragedy. Rest in peace."
Residents near the scene turned off their Christmas lights on Sunday night in tribute to those who had been killed, according to a homeowner.
"It was all the village lights. It was quite dark and eerie but it was a mark of respect," she said.
Earlier reports suggested a knife was used in the attack, but Sussex Police has since said "this is not a knife crime".Earlier reports suggested a knife was used in the attack, but Sussex Police has since said "this is not a knife crime".
Det Ch Insp Alex Geldart of Sussex Police said: "This is a tragic incident which has led to the death of two local women, one of whom was known to the suspect.Det Ch Insp Alex Geldart of Sussex Police said: "This is a tragic incident which has led to the death of two local women, one of whom was known to the suspect.
"Members of the public, police and paramedics did all they could to help the victims but sadly the two women died at the scene."Members of the public, police and paramedics did all they could to help the victims but sadly the two women died at the scene.
"I extend my heartfelt sympathies to their families, who are being supported by specialist officers. I ask that people respect their privacy at this distressing time."I extend my heartfelt sympathies to their families, who are being supported by specialist officers. I ask that people respect their privacy at this distressing time.
"Extensive inquiries are taking place along with a forensic examination, and any speculation by the media as to what has happened is unhelpful. This was not a knife attack."Extensive inquiries are taking place along with a forensic examination, and any speculation by the media as to what has happened is unhelpful. This was not a knife attack.
"A cordon will remain in the area while we gather evidence and we appreciate the support and understanding of local residents.""A cordon will remain in the area while we gather evidence and we appreciate the support and understanding of local residents."
The force gave no further details about the cause of the women's deaths.The force gave no further details about the cause of the women's deaths.
Three forensic tents were pitched in the street and forensic investigators could be seen combing the area for evidence.
A cordon is in place around the houses close to where the bodies were found.
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