Detectives are investigating a double shooting which left two men dead at a travellers' site near the Norfolk/Suffolk border.

Armed police found the bodies of the men when they were called to Willow Park, Beck Row, near Mildenhall, following a 999 report of a number of gun shots being heard at 10.15pm last night.

Police today said the deaths were being treated as murder and were linked to an on-going dispute and connected to a shooting on the same site a few weeks ago.

More details are due to be given later at a media briefing.

The body of a man was found on the ground close to a burning car near the entrance of the site, while the body of a second man was found in the car. Both men appeared to have been shot.

The alarm was raised by a woman who reported hearing a number of gunshots, there were then reports of a fire involving a caravan, trailer and car at the site.

Nearby residents were also evacuated from their homes because of fears about gas canisters on the site exploding.

Police and firefighters from Brandon, Mildenhall, and Newmarket remained on scene well into the night as inquiries got underway to piece together what happened.

Police have placed a cordon at the site - which is near the RAF Lakenheath American air base - and investigations are now underway involving detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Major Investigation Team.

Scenes of crime officers are collecting evidence.

Suffolk county policing commander, Chief Superintendent Stewart Gull, said:

'We have arranged for extra patrols to be carried out by uniformed officers and our armed response vehicles around Beck Row and we are maintaining a high profile presence in the area.

'Clearly, the investigation is at an early stage – but we believe the deaths are connected to an ongoing dispute.

'I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident – or saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Willow Park, to contact us immediately.'

Officers investigated after a vehicle was shot at on February 17. No-one was

hurt but a number of people were arrested.

Locals said the site was created about five years ago near another established

traveller site.

Anyone with information should call Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.