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.

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.

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.

“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.

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