Husband arrested in double murder probe

A husband who is suspected of murdering his estranged wife and her friend was today arrested by police.

Neil Langmead has been under police guard in hospital for more than a week since the bodies of estranged wife Debbie Jones, 35, and Donna St John, 35, were found in a burnt out house on August 22.

The 40-year-old has now been arrested and will be interviewed as soon he is well enough by detectives investigating the double murder in Barnstable, Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Langmead would remain at North Devon District Hospital where he is under police guard.

Detective Inspector Mike West, who is leading the investigation, said: "I am very pleased with the assistance and information we have had from the local community in relation to this tragic incident, and to the additional response following the deployment of local officers in and around the town centre on Saturday night."

Last week the force confirmed that a man had been served with a harassment warning notice in relation to Ms Jones on August 14.

She reported a breach of the order to police on August 20 and the alleged murders took place two days later at the rented house in Fortmead Close.

The couple had been living separately for at least a month after Ms Jones started renting the cul-de-sac property where fire broke out.

Police have referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) because of their prior involvement with Ms Jones but the watchdog decided to let the matter be investigated locally.