Leeds link to three Peterborough murders

POLICE are linking the murders of two men whose bodies were discovered in a village with that of a man found in a ditch at the weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Apr 2013, 14:15 BST
Police at the scene where two bodies were found near PeterboroughPolice at the scene where two bodies were found near Peterborough
Police at the scene where two bodies were found near Peterborough

The bodies of John Chapman, 56, and Lukasz Slaboszewski, 31, were discovered in Thorney, near Peterborough, on Wednesday morning. Both men lived locally but Mr Chapman is understood to have family in Leeds

A police spokesman confirmed that it is treating the two deaths as murder and is investigating them alongside the killing of Kevin Lee, 48, of Fletton, Peterborough.

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Mr Lee was found stabbed to death in a roadside ditch on the A16 at Newborough, close to the city, on Saturday.

The spokesman said: “Detectives have confirmed they are investigating the deaths of the two men, whose bodies were discovered at Thorney Dyke.

“The area was cordoned off to investigate the deaths, which are now being treated as murder.”

Mr Lee was last seen at 2pm on Good Friday and reported missing at 10.40pm that day, just after his metallic, light blue Mondeo was discovered burnt-out near a farm in Yaxley at about 9pm.

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A post-mortem examination revealed he died as a result of stab wounds.

Five people have now been arrested in connection with Operation Darcy.

A 36-year-old man charged with perverting the course of justice has appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to appear at Peterborough Crown Court next Wednesday.

A 47-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman who were arrested in Hereford both remain in custody while a 32-year-old man and a 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder over the weekend have been released on bail.

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Detective Superintendent Jeff Hill said: “This inquiry is a priority for the force and we have a large team of detectives working on it.

“There will also be extra police officers out on patrol in the areas where the bodies were discovered.

“These events are naturally very concerning and local people are understandably shocked by what has happened.

“However, the deaths are being linked and treated as part of the same isolated incident over the Easter weekend.

“I would like to stress I believe there is no ongoing risk to the public.”