Police given extra time to quiz double murder suspects

James Atkinson, 55, and Neil Gilmore, 55, were found dead in the flat on Tuesday

Detectives investigating a double murder in Lancashire have been given extra time to question five suspects.

James Atkinson, 55, and Neil Gilmore, 55, were found dead in a flat in Waddington Avenue, Burnley, on Tuesday.

Post-mortem examinations confirmed both men, who lived in the flat, had died of head injuries.

Four men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday. Magistrates granted a further warrant of detention on Thursday afternoon.

The suspects - men aged 30, 25, 22 and 18, and a 23-year-old woman - are all from Burnley.

'Motive unclear'

Lancashire Police are continuing to appeal for information.

Det Supt Neil Hunter said: "We have had a great response to our appeals so far but I am still keen to hear from people who knew either Neil or James and in particular who may have been in contact with them in the days leading up to their deaths.

"It is essential that we build up a picture of their last movements and I am convinced that the answer to this case lies within information from the local community so I would urge people to come forward and speak with us.

"The motive for this offence remains unclear and we continue to have a large team of dedicated officers and staff working on investigating and detecting this crime."