BREAKING NEWS: Hadlow murders - man charged with stabbing two women to death

SCENE: Police outside the Harris home yesterday

A MAN has been charged with the murders of a mother and daughter who were stabbed to death in their own home.

Jack Ralph, 28, is charged with the murders of Margaret Harris, 78, and daughter Sharon Harris, 55.

They died yesterday in their home in Carpenters Lane, Hadlow, near Tonbridge, Kent.

Margaret's husband David Harris, 76, is being treated in hospital for stab wounds.

Ralph, who lives next door to the family is due to appear via virtual link before Medway Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

He has also been charged with the attempted murder of Mr Harris.

Paramedics were at the scene yesterday at around 7.40am.

Neighbours spoke of their shock at the murders.

EMERGENCY: An air ambulance landed in a field near the home yesterday

Keith Ford, 71, said: "I don't know what time it happened. I didn't hear anything, but we had two helicopters up and the air ambulance. There were police and the forensics everywhere. It was very dramatic."

Sophie Moorey-Brown, 31, said: "The first we knew about it was when there was an air ambulance very low over the houses.

"There was a heavy police presence and forensic teams.

"We've lived here for five years and never heard anything bad happen, it has always been so quiet and a lovely place to be.

"I feel so sad for the families of the deceased and hope the man makes a full recovery."

The family lived with another son Christopher Harris, 51, in the ex-council home the elderly couple had owned since 1988.

Neighbours said both Sharon and Christopher had worked locally for Salters, a kitchen scales and housewares manufacturer.