Spalding shooting: Three members of family killed

• 4 hours ago
 
• From the sectionLincolnshire

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Image captionThe BBC understands Charlotte Hart and her mother Claire Hart were among the victims

Three members of a family have been killed in a shooting near a swimming pool in Lincolnshire.

The BBC understands Lance Hart, 57, his wife Claire Hart, 50, and their daughter Charlotte Hart, 19, were killed in the shooting in Spalding.

Lincolnshire Police had earlier said the suspected gunman was among the dead and said they were not looking for anyone else over the incident.

Police said they believed a shotgun was used.

The shooting happened near the Castle Swimming Pool in Pinchbeck Road at about 09:00 BST.

Latest updates on shooting in Spalding

Image copyrightTHE SPALDING AND SOUTH HOLLAND VOICE

Image captionPolice were called to the scene at 09:00 BST

Police also searched a house in the village of Moulton, five miles (8km) from the centre of Spalding.

Speaking on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, the leader of South Holland District Council said he had been told it was believed to be a "domestic incident".

"This looks by all accounts to be a very tragic family incident", Councillor Gary Porter said.

East Midlands Ambulance Service said paramedics were told to approach the scene with caution and fought to save the three people, who had gunshot wounds.

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Media captionHelicopter pictures from Spalding Castle Sports Complex

The air ambulance was also called to the swimming pool.

"Despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene the patients were pronounced dead", an ambulance spokesperson said.

Image captionPolice searched a house in the village of Moulton in connection with the shooting

Any witnesses have been asked to contact police.

The leisure centre said it had closed because of the shooting.

Lincolnshire County Council said pupils were being kept inside local schools for safety, but the lockdown had since been lifted.

Image copyrightEPA

Image captionThe shooting happened near the Castle Swimming Pool

One local woman, who asked not to be named, said: "We heard all the police cars earlier this morning - they were absolutely everywhere, tearing around.

"We didn't hear any shots, nothing at all, only the dozens, literally dozens, of police cars."

District councillor Gary Taylor, who represents Spalding Castle ward, said: "It's terrible news and local people are very shocked. It's a very quiet place, gun crime does not exist in this area at all."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: "Shocking events in Spalding, Lincolnshire. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."