Man, 86, arrested 32 years after husband and spouse discovered lifeless with gunshot wounds

An 86-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murders of Harry and Megan Tooze, who were found dead with gunshot wounds at their farmhouse in Llanharry, near Bridgend in south Wales, in 1993.

Harry and Megan Tooze were discovered dead with gunshot wounds in a cowshed at their farmhouse in Llanharry, near Cardiff, on July 26, 1993. A man was arrested earlier today by South Wales Police and is currently being held in custody.

The force initiated a forensic review of the case in 2023, hoping to unearth new evidence in the murders of Mr Tooze, 64, and Mrs Tooze, 67. Detective Superintendent Mark Lewis stated: “While this arrest is clearly a significant development in the investigation, our inquiries are very much ongoing.”

He added: “This case has affected many people over the years and our aim is to find the answers to the unanswered questions which remain about their deaths over 30 years on.”

He further appealed: “Even with this passage of time, I appeal to anyone who has any information about the murders to come forward and speak to police.”

On the morning of July 26, 1993, the couple left their home to collect their pensions in Llanharry.

Neighbours reported hearing two gunshots around 1.30pm, but emergency services were not alerted as such noises were considered normal on a farm. The police were called when the couple failed to answer a regular phone call from their daughter.

Upon arrival at the Ty Ar y Waun farm, officers found the bodies of the couple in a cow shed.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare, Avon and Somerset Police said.

The teenager, who remains unnamed due to his age, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded into youth custody. During a brief hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. He was remanded into youth detention accommodation ahead of a hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to Lime Close just before 6.10pm on Monday, where nine-year-old Aria had suffered a single stab wound. The boy was apprehended in Worle shortly afterwards.

Superintendent Jen Appleford stated: “This remains an incredibly difficult time for Aria’s family, who we continue to support and update around our investigation. It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them and we’d like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms their request for privacy.

“The tragic loss of such a young girl has caused a huge amount of shock and upset, with there being a profound sense of loss felt throughout the community.

“We are working closely with partner agencies and schools across the Weston area to make sure those affected receive access to any support they need.”