Man ‘shoots wife and teen daughter dead’ near pool

A worker from a builder’s merchant is believed to have shot dead his wife and daughter near a swimming pool in a small market town.

The horror unfolded near Castle Swimming Pool in Spalding, Lincolnshire, when Lance Hart, 57, killed partner Claire, 50, and 19-year-old daughter Charlotte with a shotgun, before turning the weapon on himself.

Officers and paramedics battled to save the two women who they found gravely injured at around 9am yesterday. Mr Hart was already dead, and no shots were fired by police.

Investigators raided the family home in Hatt Close, Moulton, where one neighbour described Mr Hart as a “very nice guy.”

The resident, who gave his name as Peter, said:

“Last time I spoke to him, he had put the house on the market because they were hoping to downsize, buy somewhere in the village. He was a very nice guy, he went out of his way to be helpful so it comes as a great shock.”

The local community reacted with shock.

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. It’s shocking news.”

Witnesses reported hearing “dozens” of police cars and an air ambulance heading to the scene.

Speaking to journalists outside Spalding police station, Temporary Superintendent Paul Timmins said officers found a dead man and two gravely injured women when they were called to the scene at around 9am.

He said: “We confirm that we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this tragedy. I can also confirm that no shots were fired by police.”