BRUNSHAW residents last night told of their shock and devastation after two people were murdered in their street.

Crowds of residents gathered around the home in Waddington Avenue last night as exhaustive forensic investigations took place.

Maureen Dillon, of Waddington Avenue, said: “I got back shortly after 2pm and there were loads of police with ambulance and forensic people.

“A large part of the road had been cordoned off.

“The police went up and down the street searching all the gardens but didn’t say what was going on.

“I can’t believe it. You just don’t expect it so close to home.

“Everybody is really shaken up about it.”

A man who lives in Waddington Avenue but declined to be named said: “I have lived here since the age of three and I am 51 now.

“It is very scary when something like this happens on your own doorstep, but I suppose it is society going downhill and you don’t know who is about now.”

David Jacobs, of nearby Brunshaw Avenue, said: “It is different when it is on your own doorstep.

“You hear about it on the news but you never expect it so close to home.

“It is worrying and shocking.

“The two guys were fairly well known in the area and have lived here for several years.”

A woman who lives in Waddington Avenue said: “It is such a shame but it has been one thing after another around here recently.

“We have had a fire across the road, kids boozing at the end of the street and yobs hanging around.”

Many people in the area said they knew the two men who were believed to have been living at the home.

Ward councillor Tony Harrison said the murders were ‘shocking’.

He added: “You don’t expect it to happen around here.

“That isn’t an area of the ward where we get much trouble.

“Everyone is just stunned and our sympathies go out to all those involved.”