Murder inquiry as family of four found stabbed to death at home

Police launched a quadruple murder investigation on Sunday after the bodies of a couple and their two children, named locally as university lecturer Jifeng Ding, his wife Helen Chui and their daughters Xing and Alice, were found at their home in Wootton, Northampton.

Detectives confirmed the four had suffered stab wounds and said they do not believe they were the victims of a “murder-suicide”.

Mr Ding, who was known as Jeff, is reported to have worked at Manchester Metropolitan University, while his 47-year-old wife is thought to have worked as a teacher in the area where she lived.

Detectives are understood to be examining the family’s background as they seek to establish a motive for the deaths. They do not believe they fell victim to a random attack.

Xing, 18, and Alice, 11, both attended local schools.

Officers forced their way into the family home in Pioneer Close, Wootton, after being alerted by neighbours who had expressed concerns for their welfare.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: “At this moment in time the motive behind the deaths does not appear to be due to burglary or robbery.

“We do not believe there is any risk to the wider public.

“We were called to the property at approximately 6pm on Sunday. The four people are believed to be members of the same family and are of Chinese descent.

“Forensic specialists and other officers are on scene and are likely to be so for several days as we try to establish the exact cause and circumstances of the deaths.”

Officers are conducting house-to-house inquiries and the area surrounding the property remained sealed off last night as forensics teams carried out a fingertip search of the road.

Police said more than 30 officers were involved in the investigation.