West Yorkshire Police have officially identified the victims of Monday’s tragic murder in Huddersfield as Katie Higton (27) and Steven Harnett (25), both residents of Huddersfield. The police are currently holding a 34-year-old man from Huddersfield in custody on suspicion of their murder.
The authorities were alerted to the incident at Harpe Inge at 9:53 a.m. yesterday, following a distress call made by paramedics who discovered the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman inside the property. It was later confirmed that both victims had succumbed to multiple injuries at the scene.
Since the discovery, law enforcement has maintained a strong presence at the address and surrounding areas in Huddersfield. Extensive forensic investigations have been conducted, spearheaded by Detective Superintendent Marc Bowes of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.
Detective Superintendent Bowes emphasised the gravity of the crime, stating, “This has clearly been an exceptionally serious offence, and I can promise residents that a full investigation is ongoing into the murder of this man and woman. We are conducting extensive inquiries at the scene and other locations in the Dalton area as we investigate the circumstances of what took place.”
Appealing to the public for assistance, he added, “I am appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity overnight or this morning at the property on Harpe Inge to contact us.
Residents in the nearby area will also note an increased police presence on their streets, and I want to reassure them and the wider community that we are doing all we can to bring those responsible for this offence to justice.”
The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team is actively pursuing various leads in their investigation into the murders of Katie and Steven, which occurred at a house on Harpe Inge in Huddersfield between Sunday (May 14) and Monday (May 15). While formal post-mortems are pending, it is believed that both victims sustained multiple injuries caused by a bladed weapon.
To support the grieving families, specially trained officers have been offering their assistance, requesting that their privacy be respected during this distressing time.
The police are currently conducting ongoing activities at nearby locations connected to the murder, with local Neighbourhood Policing Team officers carrying out reassurance patrols.
Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is urged to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team at 101, quoting police log 408 of May 15. Alternatively, information can be submitted online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.
Anonymous tips can also be provided to the independent Crimestoppers charity at 0800 555 111.
