South Holland and The Deepings MP John Hayes has praised the work of emergency services at the horrific scene of three fatal shootings in Spalding.
Using a shotgun, Moulton man Lance Hart (57) murdered his wife Claire (50) and their 19-year-old daughter Charlotte before committing suicide. The tragedy happened in the car park of the Castle Sports Complex swimming pool on Tuesday (July 19) at 9am.
Mr Hayes also took a thinly-veiled swipe at UKIP Lincolnshire county councillor Victoria Ayling, who, in the immediate aftermath of the domestic incident, told a national newspaper about “migrant gang warfare” in the area. Mrs Ayling was a candidate for the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner role in May.
Mr Hayes said: “The whole of our community has been shocked by the unimaginable events which happened in Spalding on Tuesday. This tragedy was dealt with by our local police force with speed and care -several officers were on the scene within moments – and the ambulance service, too, responded rapidly.
“Now is the time for the whole community to come together – in sorrow, but with fortitude. Knowing the people of Spalding and South Holland so well, I am certain that we will all rise to that challenge.
“We do not want nor welcome inflammatory or spiteful remarks from those outside our area who seem more interested in fuelling hatred and despair than in grieving and healing, and I hope we won’t see a repetition of that kind of irresponsibility.”
