Police launch murder inquiry after three people die in flat at Luton's Marsh Farm Estate

• ITV Anglia reporter Claire McGlasson reports from Luton after a murder inquiry was launched by Bedfordshire Police.

Police have launched a triple murder inquiry and arrested a teenager after three people died in a tower block flat.

Officers were contacted at about 5.30am over fears for occupants in a flat Leabank, off Wauluds Bank Drive, in the Marsh Farm area of the town.

When they arrived, they found three people seriously injured who were then pronounced dead at the scene. They believe they were all known to each other.

An 18-year-old man was arrested nearby, said Bedfordshire Police, adding that they did not believe there was any wider threat to the community.

Officers have also recovered a weapon that they believe may have been used in the attack - which they confirmed on Friday evening was a firearm.

The teenager was arrested in Bramingham Road, a short distance from the tower block, and taken into custody for questioning.

A police cordon has been in place around the flats in Leabank in Wauluds Bank Drive since Friday morning.

Det Supt Rob Hall said: “This is a truly appalling incident which has sadly resulted in the tragic deaths of three people.

"We understand this news will be incredibly shocking, but please be assured we will work tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding these deaths.

“One man has been arrested in connection with the incident and we do not believe there is any threat to the wider community.

"However, we appreciate people will be concerned, so there will be an increased presence of community police officers in and around the area today and over the coming days to answer questions and provide reassurance.”

Police said details about the victims, such as age or sex, would not be released until their next-of-kin had been contacted.

Neighbours described the scenes outside the building as "very scary".

Davy Bridgestock, who lives in Leabank with his partner Lauren Purcell and their two sons, said he had been woken by one of his boys screaming.

"I didn't know what to think; I went out to check on them and looked out the window, and saw armed police everywhere, balaclavas, they even had the guns... We didn't know what to do."

Ms Purcell added: "The fire brigade was there as well. We weren't sure if there was a fire, we weren't sure what was going on. We've never had armed police here before. It was very frightening."

They described the area as "usually very quiet".

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