A FATHER of two former soldier is the man arrested on suspision of murdering a Somerset couple in their home while their children slept upstairs, according to reports.

It is understood former 24 Commando Royal Engineer Collin Reeves was arrested over the deaths of Jennifer and Stephen Chapple in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, on Sunday night (November 21).

The 34-year-old was arrested after the incident, at around 9.45pm on Sunday, along with a 67-year-old man who was released under investigation by police on Tuesday.

The news comes as tributes continue to be left in the street for the couple, whose two young sons were in the house when they died.

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On Tuesday, Detective Inspector Neil Meade, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "We will carry out a full and thorough investigation and we will do all we can to achieve justice for the victim's families.

"While this appears to be an isolated incident, there will be increased police activity in the area to provide the community with reassurance.

"Incidents like this are very rare but when they do happen, we know they cause significant concern so we'd urge anyone with worries or questions to speak to an officer or contact their local neighbourhood policing team."