Frantic efforts were made to save the lives of Claire Hart (50) and daughter Charlotte (19) after the triple shooting on Tuesday.
It was clear to the first people on the scene at Spalding’s swimming pool car park that a third victim, 57-year-old Lance Hart, was already dead. It is believed he shot his wife and daughter before turning the gun on himself.
A builder working nearby told reporters he ran to help after hearing shots.
He said: “When I arrived there was only me and another lad from the swimming pool who was trying to help.
“The man was already dead when I got there. The older woman was very badly injured and I tried CPR on her while the guy from the swimming baths tried on the younger woman who didn’t look as bad.”
The tragic event happened at 9am, about four miles away from the family home in Hatt Close, Moulton.
A Spalding resident who had just arrived for work near the scene was shocked to see the events unfolding.
Alison Crampton said: “I had just parked in Westlode Street car park when I heard what sounded like a bird scarer going off, I think four times. I wondered what on earth it was.
“A few minutes later I saw someone running across the car park and I could see a lot of police in the police station car park running around and pointing in that direction.
“I got out to have a look what was going on and could see somebody lying on the floor with someone over them.”
A fleet of paramedics was soon on the scene and the air ambulance landed on Castle Field, although was eventually stood down without being utilised.
East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “Upon arriving at scene, our paramedics treated three patients who had gunshot wounds.
“Despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene the patients were pronounced dead.”
Lance and Claire Hart also had two sons, Luke (26) and Ryan (25), and their home currently has a “sold” sign up.
Lance worked for builders’ merchant Hook’s of Holbeach and Claire was employed at Morrisons in Pinchbeck.
Charlotte was on summer break from the University of Northampton and had been a horse rider at Four Winds Equestrian Centre in West Pinchbeck.
Owner Paula Leverton said on Facebook: “We are all shocked at the loss of Charlotte Hart and her mum, for many years they were clients of ours. Our thoughts are with the remaining family and close friends. RIP.”
Others have also been paying tribute on Facebook.
One poster said: “R.I.P Claire and Charlotte we all miss you a lovely mum and daughter thoughts are with your family and friends xx”
Another wrote: “How very very sad……healing and love to the family left behind, our thoughts are with you all.”
One user said of Lance: “really shocked he was a real nice friendly bloke and always seemed happy whenever I saw him”.
