A MURDER hunt is ongoing following the discovery of two bodies by a Fenland road.
Police said the discovery of two bodies near Whittlesey on Wednesday is now being investigated alongside the murder of Kevin Lee.
The bodies, of a man in his 30s and another in his 50s, were found by a farmer down a dyke about a mile from the Dog in a Doublet public house near Whittlesey.
Police are linking the murders to that of a third murder at the weekend when the body of Kevin Lee, 48, of Fletton, was found stabbed to death in a ditch at Newborough.
Detective Superintendent Jeff Hill said: “This inquiry is a priority for the force and we have a large team of detectives working on it.”
He confirmed they are investigating the deaths of the two men, whose bodies were discovered at Thorney Dyke, as part of Operation Darcy.
He said: “Police were alerted at just before 11.30am yesterday by a member of public. One of the men was in his 30s and the other his 50s but they cannot be named at this time as formal identification has not taken place.”
Post mortem examinations are due to take place today at Peterborough City Hospital.
Operation Darcy was launched following the discovery of Mr Lee’s body in a ditch in Newborough, near Peterborough, on Saturday morning.
He had last been seen at 2pm on Good Friday and was reported missing later that day.
A post mortem examination revealed he had died as a result of stab wounds.
A total of five people have now been arrested in connection with Op Darcy.
Det Supt Hill said: “There will be extra police officers out on patrol in the areas where the bodies were discovered.
“These events are naturally very concerning and local people are understandably shocked by what has happened.
“However, the deaths are being linked and treated as part of the same isolated incident over the Easter weekend.
“I would like to stress I believe there is no ongoing risk to the public.”
A 36-year-old man, who was charged with perverting the course of justice, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and has been remanded to appear at Peterborough Crown Court on April 10.
A 47-year-old man and the 30-year-old woman who were arrested in Hereford both remain in custody.
A 32-year-old man and a 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder over the weekend have been released on bail.
David Sanders, councillor for Thorney and Eye, said: “The community has been shocked by the incident because, firstly, there was also a body found in Newborough a few days ago and, secondly, Thorney has never known an incident as serious as this.
“The rurals are usually a safe place to live which is why it’s so shocking.
“I’d like to emphasise a sense of calm, I don’t think anyone needs to be unduly alarmed. The murders didn’t happen in Thorney, the bodies were dumped here. I don’t think we are going to find anymore bodies.
“People need to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.”
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