Residents of Milton Keynes are in shock following a tragic incident on Christmas Day, where two women were killed and two others seriously injured in a suspected stabbing. A 49-year-old man from the city has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and is currently in police custody, as confirmed by Thames Valley Police.
Officers responded to reports at a block of apartments on Santa Cruz Avenue in Bletchley around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Upon their arrival, they discovered the bodies of two women, aged 38 and 24, who were pronounced dead at the scene. A teenage boy and a man in his late 20s were hospitalized with serious injuries but are now reported to be in stable condition. A dog that was also injured during the incident was taken to a vet but unfortunately did not survive.
Shazna Muzammil, a Conservative councillor on Milton Keynes City Council, shared her shock and sadness in a statement on X. “This is horrible on Christmas Day, and we are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events in Bletchley,” she wrote. “Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and neighbours of the two women who have tragically lost their lives.” She also confirmed that those involved in the incident were known to each other.
A police cordon remained in place at the scene throughout Thursday as forensic teams conducted their investigations. Officers were observed walking up the stairs of the apartment block and photographing a room on the top floor, along with various sections of the road outside. Evidence markers and first aid kits were visible on the pavement and roadway, as well as on the boot of a car parked in nearby Trinidad Grove.
In a show of community support, a family left flowers and a grey teddy bear dressed as Father Christmas outside the police cordon, attaching two bouquets to the railings surrounding a children’s play area on Santa Cruz Avenue. One woman in the group, who did not know the victims, told the PA news agency, “This is a lovely area. You don’t expect to see this kind of thing here.”
St Joseph’s Church, located nearby, announced it would open its school hall on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for anyone seeking “a moment of quiet contemplation or prayer, to light a candle or simply to have a cup of tea and a chat” following the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, the senior investigating officer from the major crime unit, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased women. “We have launched a double murder investigation, which may be concerning to the wider public; however, we have made an arrest and are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident as the parties involved are known to each other,” he said. Brangwin assured the public that a significant police presence would remain in the area as investigations continue and encouraged anyone with information or footage to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting reference number 43240622935, or contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.
