Pangbourne murder probe as woman stabbed and man found dead

The harrowing incidents unfolded on January 4, leading Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit to commence an investigation after officers were called to a crash at about 5.45pm on the A340 Tidmarsh Road at the junction with Flower’s Hill. Officers found a 56-year-old woman with stab wounds inside a Lexus car. Despite receiving medical attention, she sadly died at the scene.

Less than half an hour later, both Thames Valley Police and British Transport Police were alerted to a casualty on the railway track near Pangbourne where an 18-year-old man was found dead. Neither victim has been formally identified, yet the family members of both individuals have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, Head of the Major Crime Unit, said: “We have launched a murder investigation after the death of a woman near Flower’s Hill, Pangbourne, and the associated discovery of a deceased man at Pangbourne railway station.”

He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the force. Detective Superintendent Brown reassured residents that “we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with either death”. He did emphasise, however, that “we are still investigating but are treating the two deaths as linked; we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances of each.”

He urged anyone with information to report it.

While the shocking events caused initial disruption to roads and the railway network, normality has since resumed.

Detective Superintendent Brown thanked the public for their patience, adding: “Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence while we continue to investigate”.