UK
Huddersfield double murder probe: Police name mum-of-four and man found dead at house
Grieving relatives have paid tribute to an “outgoing and bubbly” mum-of-four found dead alongside another man at her home in Huddersfield.
A double murder enquiry is now under way after the bodies of Katie Higton, 27, and 25-year-old Steven Harnett were discovered in Harpe Inge in Dalton.
Police were called to the address at around 9.50am on Monday after paramedics reported finding two people with multiple injuries.
A 34-year-old man is being held in custody on suspicion of the murders, West Yorkshire Police said.
Formal post-mortem examinations are yet to be conducted, but both victims suffered injuries caused by a bladed weapon.
Relatives laid flowers at the scene on Tuesday, which has been cordoned off by police.
On Tuesday, the former brother and sister-in-law of Ms Higton paid tribute to her as “the best mum” and said the family was “absolutely devastated” as they placed flowers on behalf of her two eldest children at the scene.
Her former brother-in-law, who asked not to be named, said his brother had been in a relationship with Ms Higton for seven years and was the father of her two oldest children, daughters aged nine and 10.
He said the children “were in the property when the incident took place”.
He described Ms Higton as “bubbly, outgoing, fun” and “a great mum”.
Flowers left at the scene on Harpe Inge, Huddersfield
One card left at the scene said “RIP my darling. We love you. No more suffering.”
Another said: “I am so sorry for how things have ended.”
West Yorkshire Police said its Homicide and Major Enquiry Team is continuing to pursue a wide range of activities nearby to Harpe Inge as part of the murder investigation.
Police officers stand by a cordon on Harpe Inge
Specialist officers are supporting family members.
Detective Superintendent Marc Bowes said: “This has clearly been an exceptionally serious offence and I can promise residents that a full investigation is ongoing into the murder of this man and woman.
The bodies were discovered around 9.53am on Monday
“We are conducting extensive enquiries at the scene and at other locations in the Dalton area as we investigate the circumstances of what took place.
“I am appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity overnight or this morning at the property on Harpe Inge to contact us.”
Detective Bowes vowed the force would do “all we can to bring persons responsible for this offence to justice”, adding that there will be an increased police presence to reassure the local community.