MURDER squad detectives have released a 26-year-old man on bail after questioning him in connection with two Notts deaths.

The man, from Kimberley, was arrested on Thursday by officers investigating the deaths of Kimberley man Darran Lancashire and Brian Flaherty, from Lenton. He was being held on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Detectives were yesterday continuing to question Peter Christian Brown, 41, also known as 'Aussie Pete', over the two deaths.

The body of Mr Lancashire, 43, was found in a flat above the Post Office in Main Street, Kimberley, on Wednesday, January 6.

Mr Flaherty, 31, was found dead at a house in Derby Grove, Lenton, at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.

Post-mortem examinations revealed both men had been stabbed.

Police are thought to have arrested the 26-year-old Kimberley man in the town centre before visiting a flat in Cornfield Road, Kimberley, around 1pm.

Residents have spoken of their shock over the suspected murders.

Gary Wardle, owner of Betta Fit Auto Centre in Giltbrook, previously employed Mr Lancashire as a specialist clutch fitter for 18 months around eight years ago. The two formed a good friendship and kept in touch. He said: "He was a good bloke who was extremely good at his job and polite to customers."

Detectives have repeated their appeal to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in Derby Grove on or around Saturday, January 9.

Anyone with any information should contact Notts police on 0115 844 6912.