Houghton Regis stabbing: Two men charged with murder

Adam Fanelli, 39, and Patrick Howard, 27, were fatally stabbed in Tithe Farm Road, Houghton Regis, on Sunday.

Update 27th January: On the 6th January police confirmed that the charges against Curtis Long were dropped and he is no longer under investigation.

Two people have been charged with murder after two men were stabbed to death in a town.

Three men were stabbed in Tithe Farm Road, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, on Sunday.

Adam Fanelli, 39, and Patrick Howard, 27, died at the scene while the third man was seriously injured.

Nicholas Papworth, 31, and Curtis Long, 32, have been charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

The pair are also charged with three counts of conspiracy to murder and three counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.

Mr Papworth, of Amble Close, Houghton Regis, is also accused of perverting the course of justice. He was due in court alongside Mr Long, of Hallwicks Road, Luton.

A third man, aged in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He remains in police custody.

Bedfordshire Police were called to the incident in Tithe Farm Road in the early hours of Sunday

Mr Fanelli's family said Adam was "a person that emulated 'once met never forgotten' in every way possible".

"For someone small in stature, he had an extremely larger-than-life character and a heart bigger than a house," a tribute issued via police said.

"Words could never explain the impact this tragedy has had, and will forever hold, over our family and this community."

Mr Howard's family said: "Patrick was the most lovable, cheeky chap you could meet.

"He would have done anything for anybody and had the biggest heart of gold.

"He was the heart and soul of the community, with not a person who didn't love him."

Temporary Det Supt Carl Foster, from the Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said it was "an extremely violent incident" that took place "in a community that has been greatly affected".

"Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of both Adam and Patrick. We also wish the third victim a full and speedy recovery," he said.

The force said its inquiries were ongoing and officers were "still keen to hear from anyone that can support our investigation".