Police issue major update on two young girls found dead at home

24 January 2024 , 19:10

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Jasmin Kuczynska, 12, and Natasha Kuczynska,, eight, were discovered dead (Image: East Anglia News Service)

Two girls discovered alongside the bodies of a man and woman at a house on Friday died of knife wounds to the neck, police confirmed tonight.

Jasmin Kuczynska, aged 12 and Natasha Kuczynska, eight, were discovered dead alongside their dad Bartlomiej Kuczynski, 45 and his sister-in-law Kanticha Noon, 36, at a property in Costessey, near Norwich, on Friday morning.

A Home Office post-mortem examination carried out today has determined both youngsters sustained knife wounds to their neck, Norfolk Police said.

Previous Home Office post-mortem examinations were carried out on Sunday 21 January and established the woman died as a result of stab wounds to the neck while the man died as a result of a stab wound to the neck.

Following the cause of deaths being established, detectives have confirmed that the deaths of Kanticha, Jasmin and Natasha are being treated as murder. The death of Bartlomiej is not being treated as suspicious and officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths. Detectives will continue with their enquiries for the coronial process.

Mourners gather at purple-themed vigil to remember girl, 15, stabbed to death

Police continue to investigate the deaths in Costessey, Norfolk (PA)

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Burgess, who is leading the investigation, said: “We understand how incredibly shocking this incident is for all involved and for the wider community and that this latest update adds to the sense of heartbreak. Our thoughts are with the family of the those found at the property grieving such a traumatic loss.

“We would like to thank the community for their help and will continue to provide reassurance patrols in the area. A cordon will remain on at the address whilst we finalise our detailed examination of the scene.”

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) due to a 999 call made from a man at the address prior to the incident, which did not result in the deployment of officers and police contact at the address on 14 December, relating to a missing person enquiry.

It is believed Bartlomiej had challenges with his mental health for months. It is understood he was the man who called 999 initially with "concerns for his own mental state saying he was confused." The IOPC said call handlers advised the dad to seek medical advice.

Bradley Jolly