TWO brothers and a sister were last night being quizzed on suspicion of double murder — as detectives probe whether the motive is revenge.

Kenny Howson, 25, Lee Howson, 18, and Krystal Howson, 23, and a 30-year-old man from Burnley were arrested yesterday morning.

Police revealed at around 9pm last night that a fifth man, 22, had been arrested during the afternoon.

They were all being questioned by detectives over the deaths of two men whose bodies were found at a flat in Waddington Avenue, on the Brunshaw estate.

While the victims have not yet been officially identified by police, neighbours have named them as Neil Gilmore, a former builder, and James Atkinson.

The Howsons are the children of Pam Brown, Mr Atkinson’s partner who died on September 7. An inquest has been opened and adjourned in the death of Ms Brown.

Following her death, the home she shared in Brunshaw Avenue with Mr Atkinson was torched in an arson attack on September 19.

Police last night declined to comment on any link to Pam Brown, or the arson attack.

Detectives said it would be inappropriate as the two men found dead had not been officially identified.

However they said that one of the possible murder motives was a revenge attack.

Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter, who is leading the inquiry, said: “It was quite a nasty, untidy scene and it was clear significant violence has been exerted on the two men.

“There was also significant disturbance at the house which has caused forensic scientists some trouble, and has held up attempts at removing both bodies.

“We believe that the two men had been dead for one or two days – no later than Sunday.

“We have so far recovered and removed one body from the house which is now undergoing a Home Office autospy at Burnley mortuary.

“We hope to remove the second body later today or by tomorrow.”

“We are not ruling out the possibility it was some kind of revenge attack, but also not ruling out the possibility that it was a burglary gone wrong.”

A painstaking forensic investigation of the scene - which police said could take up to three days - is underway.

The grim discovery was made by an 'associate' of the tenant who called to the house on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said he entered the house through an unlocked door and found one of the bodies, before leaving and alerting police.

Officers arriving on the scene at 12.30pm found the other body.

Mr Gilmore, said to be in his 60s, suffered ill-health recently following a stroke, according to neighbours.

Neighbours said Mr Gilmore was known as 'Gilly', and Mr Atkinson, 'Jimmy'.

A man who said he knew Mr Gilmore said: "He has lived here quite a few years but kept himself to himself.

"He liked a drink. He always said hello".

Another woman who lives in Waddington Avenue said: "He had a stroke a few years ago and really struggled to walk.

"He was a quiet bloke. Nobody really knew him but he seemed nice enough."

Mushtaq Ahmed, owner of Tipplers Mini Market, Brunshaw Avenue, said: "I am really saddened by this. I knew them both fairly well, but especially Gilly.

"He was very ill, almost disabled. He really struggled to get about, but he was a lovely guy and he was very friendly.

"I would give him a lift home sometimes because he really used to struggle getting about.

"I have had this shop for eight years and they both used to come in virtually every day without fail."

Mr Atkinson's former next-door neighbour in Brunshaw Avenue, Darrol Davison, said: "He had not been the same since Pam died.

"He was a nice man and wouldn't have hurt anyone.

"The area is full of elderly people so it makes you worry about safety around here."