Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones reassures residents after second suspected murder in Spalding

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones is seeking to reassure residents that the county remains a safe place after a second suspected murder has happened in Spalding.

A woman’s body was found within a property in Winsover Road last night (Tuesday, Novembner 26) and a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder - just 15 days after 45-year-old Vadims Zmicerevskis was killed in nearby Green Lane.

Viktors Zeglovs, 33, of no fixed abode, was charged his murder.

Police are also investigating the ‘unexplained death’ of Przemyslaw Gebka, 42, whose body was found in Fulney Lane South, on the outskirts of the town, on November 2.

Mr Jones said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones whose lives have been torn apart by these terrible crimes.

“I completely understand that these horrific incidents will cause unease in the community – particularly given they have occurred so close together.

“It is important to note, however, that police have made quick arrests in both cases and I trust their investigations will lead to offenders receiving the punishment they deserve.

“While these crimes are shocking I would reassure the residents that this is highly unusual and, in fact, violent crime across Lincolnshire is down 5% on last year and public order offences are down 15%.”

Lincolnshire Police receives the lowest level of funding in the country at just £196 per head - and South Holland has one of the smallest forces. In 2022, we revealed that there were 77 officers based in the district.

Chief constable Paul Gibson has also warned of significant financial pressures, stating the force could face a £57 million deficit over the next three years if it continues "in its current guise."

Mr Jones, who is in his third term in office, has been warned that the force faces a £17 million-plus funding shortfall, exacerbated by the National Insurance increase announced in the Autumn Budget, alongside a pay award costing an additional £5 million.

The Conservative PCC has been calling on the previous Tory Government to change the funding formula in order to ensure that Lincolnshire - one of the most under funded forces in the country - receives more investment.

Those calls did not result in any meaningful change before the Conservative government were kicked out of power in July after 14 years.