On Christmas Day 2023, tragedy struck the otherwise festive atmosphere of Milton Keynes as two women were killed and two others were seriously injured during a shocking stabbing incident at a block of flats on Santa Cruz Avenue, Bletchley. The victims, aged 38 and 24, were found by police shortly after the first reports of the incident came through at approximately 6:30 PM. Unfortunately, both women succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
According to Thames Valley Police, the injured included a man, believed to be in his late 20s, and a teenage boy, both of whom were rushed to the hospital. Thankfully, they are reported to be in stable condition following the incident. A dog, tragically caught up in the events, was also injured and later died after being taken to the vet.
Immediately following the incident, police arrested a 49-year-old man from Milton Keynes on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He has since remained in custody as investigations entered a double murder inquiry. Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, who is spearheading the investigation, conveyed condolences to the families of the victims, stating, “Firstly I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the women who have tragically died in this shocking incident.”
The police confirmed the parties were known to each other, easing fears within the local community about wider dangers. Nonetheless, the presence of police was noticeable as they cordoned off the area and began forensic investigations, with numbered evidence markers strewn about, indicating the seriousness of this tragic event.
Witnesses vividly recounted the horror of the event, with one neighbor recalling screams of "I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe" as victims were apparently fleeing from the flat. Eyewitnesses noted the sight of blood and chaos as emergency services overwhelmed the scene, describing how ambulances rushed to assist the victims. Another resident mournfully stated, “It’s mortifying...you don’t expect anything like this to happen around here, and on Christmas day of all days.”
Representatives from the local council expressed their shock and sadness over the tragedy. Conservative councillor Shazna Muzammil stated, “This is horrible on Christmas Day and we are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events in Bletchley. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and neighbors of the two women who have tragically lost their lives.”
Floral tributes began to appear outside the police cordon shortly after the event, as residents expressed their grief for the victims. Many left heartfelt messages, along with items such as teddy bears, as they sought to memorialize the lives lost on what should have been a joyful occasion. One passerby noted, “This is a lovely area. You don’t expect to see this kind of thing here.”
Local church officials opened their doors following the incident, providing space for community members to gather, reflect, or simply share conversations over tea as they collectively processed the events. They offered their hall for those seeking “a moment of quiet contemplation or prayer” to deal with the shocking loss.
Detective Chief Inspector Brangwin reassured the public of their safety, stating, “We have launched a double murder investigation, which may be concerning to the wider public; we have made an arrest and are not looking for anyone else.” Residents were encouraged to approach officers with their concerns or share information relevant to the investigation, highlighting the community-police collaboration during this challenging time.
The aftermath of this incident serves as yet another reminder of the unexpected tragedies life can bring. While the reasons behind this violent outburst remain largely unbroken, the impact on family, friends, and the entire Bletchley area is apparent. Investigators continue to urge anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward, quoting reference number 43240622935 when doing so.
