An 18-year-old man is still being questioned on suspicion of murder after the deaths of three people in a tower block.

They were found injured in a flat in the Marsh Farm area of Luton at about 05:30 BST on Friday after Bedfordshire Police responded to concerns about the welfare of some residents.

All three were pronounced dead at the 15-storey Leabank building and officers found a weapon following searches.

People have been laying flowers at the flats, including local resident Shaun Dixon who said people were devastated.

“I just spoke to one of the residents – a friend of mine – and she was devastated,” he said.

“My heart and condolences go out to the individuals [involved].

“Flowers have been left, but I wish there was more that could be done.”

Inquiries at the tower block were continuing, with forensic officers spotted at the scene on Saturday morning.

Police have been reassuring local residents and said on Friday it was believed all the people involved were known to each other.

Detectives added they did not believe there was any threat to the wider community.

More officers have been seen patrolling the area since the incident.

Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “I can absolutely understand people being scared – it’s an unusual event in any community.

“The reassurance I would offer is that over the coming days people can expect to see an increased presence within the Marsh Farm area.

“I would encourage people to go and speak to our officers and they can explain to them what is happening, but again I reiterate this is an isolated threat that has been mitigated by the arrest of an individual.”

On Friday, detectives confirmed a firearm had been found in Bramingham Road.

Armed police and investigators wearing white forensic gear were spotted at the tower block on Wauluds Bank Drive and a nearby green open space.

The 18-year-old was arrested in the morning on Bramingham Road, which has a junction with Wauluds Bank Drive.