St Leonards shooting: Two women shot dead at house in East Sussex as armed police arrest suspect

A murder probe has been launched after two women were shot dead at a house in East Sussex.

The victims, aged 32 and 53 and believed to be mother and daughter, were gunned down at a house in St Leonards on Friday night.

Two other women - including one who is pregnant - were led to safety by officers and taken to hospital, Sussex Police said.

Both were uninjured but suffering from shock.

Police were called to the scene in Bexhill Road at about 7.45pm on Friday.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder two hours later, and a gun was seized.

Police said the victims were known to their attacker.

Armed police descended on the East Sussex street after the shooting, witnesses said.

Witness Emma Nicholson told the Sun Online: "They jumped out and took cover behind the car. A couple of them were right behind our car. It was very shocking."

She said the armed police shouted: "Eyes on, eyes on... have we got eyes on?"

Steve Weir, who lives yards from the scene of the fatal shootings, said: "We heard a few bangs and didn't think anything of it.

"My missus then went to leave the house not long after to go and pick up one of the kids who is down for the weekend, but she was then diverted by police and told to go in a different direction.

"She was sent away for her own safety, according to police, and she hasn't been allowed back into the house."

Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Tingley said: "Tragically two women... have died after being shot and our thoughts are with their family and friends.

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident but we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Operation Winlot.