AVON and Somerset Police have confirmed a woman died from multiple stab wounds in Norton Fitzwarren on Sunday, November 21.
A murder investigation was launched by its Major Crime Investigation Team following the deaths of a man and a woman at a property in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren.
The victims are believed to be 36-year-old Stephen Chapple and 33-year-old Jennifer Chapple, a married couple.
A police spokesperson said a post-mortem examination has confirmed that Jennifer died from multiple stab wounds.
The post-mortem examination to determine Stephen’s cause of death is ongoing.
Senior investigating officer detective inspector Neil Meade said: "What happened to Stephen and Jennifer is utterly heartbreaking and I can’t begin to imagine the impact their deaths will have on their two children.
"Family liaison officers are supporting both families and keeping them updated on the progress of our investigation.
"I appreciate there is significant interest in what happened and I’d ask people not to speculate and to think about the impact it may have on the families."
He added: "This is a tragic incident which has shocked the community and neighbourhood officers are patrolling the area to provide reassurance.
"Should anyone have any concerns about what happened I’d encourage them to talk to them."
Their children, aged five and six, were found by officers asleep upstairs.
They are now being looked after by family members.
Specially trained officers are providing support to the families of Stephen and Jennifer.
Two men, aged 34 and 67, were arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday.
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Today, magistrates granted an extension to the custody time limit in relation to the 34-year-old man.
The 67-year-old man has been released under investigation to allow further inquiries to take place.
Cordons remain in place at two properties in Dragon Rise as officers continue to examine them.
Anyone with information that could help the police investigation is asked to phone 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5221274497.
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