Police confirm three of Costessey deaths treated as murder

A Home Office post-mortem examination carried out earlier today found the cause of death for both Jasmin Kuczynska, 12, and Natasha Kuczynska, aged eight, was knife wounds to the neck.

Police were called to Allan Bedford Crescent in Queen's Hills at around 7.15am on Friday after a member of the public raised concerns for the welfare of people inside.

Officers forced entry into the property and found the bodies of Bartlomiej Kuczynski, 45, his two daughters Jasmin and Natasha and their maternal aunt Kanticha Sukpengpanao, 36, who was visiting from Thailand.

Post-mortem examinations were carried out on Mr Kuczynski and Ms Sukpengpanao on Sunday.

Mr Kuczynski died as a result of a single stab wound to the neck while Ms Sukpengpanao died from stab wounds to the neck. 

Following tonight's confirmation of the cause of the girls' deaths being established, detectives have said 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.  

The body of Bartlomiej Kuczynski was discovered at a home in Allan Bedford Crescent on Friday morning along with his two daughters, Natasha and Jasmin (Image: Facebook)

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 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.”

Jasmin and Natasha attended Taverham High School and Queen's Hill Primary respectively and both schools have offered "extra support" for staff and students in the wake of the incident. 

Dr Roger Harris, who took over as headteacher of Taverham High in September 2021, said: "Jasmin was always smiling and even a bit cheeky at times, but as parents, you'd be very proud to call her your daughter.

"I found out what had happened early Friday afternoon and I was devastated.

"As a headteacher and human being, this is a nightmare scenario."

Kanticha Sukpengpanao was visiting Costessey from Thailand (Image: Facebook)

On Sunday, Dr Harris and Matthew Cross, headteacher at Queen's Hill Primary, attended Queen's Hills Community Centre with the county council's Critical Incident Team to offer children an opportunity to share their feelings and provide extra support.

Ms Sukpengpanao is understood to have travelled from Thailand on December 27 to stay with her sister and her family.

Mr Kuczynski called 999 shortly before 6am on the day of the deaths and said he was "confused" but Norfolk Constabulary did not send officers to the address until a second call was made an hour later by a dog walker.

That response to the 999 call is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is also looking into an earlier incident, in December, when Mr Kuczynski went missing.

He was later found by police who took him to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for a mental health assessment. However, it is understood he left before one could be carried out.

Neighbours said the 45-year-old had been struggling with mental ill health for several months, for which he had been asking for help.

The IOPC's regional director, Charmaine Arbouin, said: "Following a mandatory referral from the force we have decided to investigate and will be examining if the force’s handling of the contact they had with the man was appropriate and in line with force policy, training and procedures.

"We will be making contact with the families of the deceased to explain our role.

Flower tributes have been left in the area since the incident (Image: PA)

"Our sympathies are with the families and friends of the deceased and all those affected by this incident."

Norfolk’s chief constable, Paul Sanford, has also asked for a full independent review of the force’s control room in relation to the 999 call made by Mr Kuczynski.

He said he had listened to the call but could not comment on it as the IOPC is investigating all the circumstances around the handling of the tragedy.

He has asked His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, which is due to carry out a routine inspection of the force next month, to extend the remit to carry out a "broader and deeper" investigation of the control room.