The fire in Svelvik is being investigated as a murder-suicide: “We’re in shock”

Photo: Torstein Bøe / NTB

A family of four was found dead after a fire in a residential house in Svelvik. The deceased family father is now charged with murder and arson.

“The preliminary reports from the autopsy indicate that the mother and the two children were killed before the fire started. Therefore, the case is now being investigated as murder and arson,” police inspector Odd Skei Kostveit stated in a press release.

Finds at the site also strengthen the theory of a murder-suicide, Kostveit told the newspaper Drammens Tidende.

The police are still working on investigating the fire site. They will also question several witnesses.

“The survivors, colleagues, and the children’s school have been informed about the development in the case,” Kostveit said.

“We’re in shock”

The fire brigade in Drammen has previously confirmed that the man worked for them.

“Our thoughts go to the relatives and the local community. We are in shock and grief and ask for understanding at the moment. We need peace to process this tragedy,” a press release states.

The police station chief at the Drammen police station Øyvind Aas says that the news hits extra hard.

“This tragic case has affected a small community. As the investigation now also points in the direction that one of the deceased has been responsible for the action, it affects relatives, friends, and colleagues extra hard. We hope that – on our way into the Christmas holidays – we can act with respect for those who are now facing a difficult time,” he said.

Found dead

The fire broke out in a wooden house at Berger in Svelvik on Monday night. The home was on fire when the fire brigade arrived at the scene.

Forensic technicians from the police entered the fire site on Tuesday, and all four people were then found dead.

The deceased people have now been formally identified, the police say.

“For the sake of further investigation, the police do not have the opportunity to provide more details about findings at the scene or other investigations that have been carried out,” Kostveit said.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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