Family shock after review of Ffynon Samson sibling deaths finds no new evidence

A forensic review into the deaths of a brother and sister 50 years ago will end almost four years after it began, despite not delivering any new conclusions.

The bodies of Martha and Griff Thomas were found at a farmhouse in Llangolman, Pembrokeshire in 1976, originally prompting a double murder investigation.

Family member Huw Gibby, 79, said he was left “shell-shocked” that the investigation had failed to find any new answers, and described crime scene photos as a “blood bath”.

Dyfed-Powys Police said a “significant amount of complex work” had been undertaken, and “the family has been updated on the limitations faced in reviewing an incident that took place 50 years ago”.

On a chilly Saturday morning in December 1976, postman Nigel Rossiter pulled up outside the isolated Ffynon Samson farmhouse in west Wales.

It was his first week in the job and he spotted a couple of letters still lying on the floor of the porch, where he had delivered to them days before.

Smelling burning inside, he raised the alarm. This led to the discovery of two bodies – Griff, 73, who was badly burnt, and Martha, 70, who had severe injuries.

Police were called and found Martha – known as Patti – lay slumped on a magazine rack in the corner of the living room, with severe head injuries.

Chairs had been knocked over and an overturned television lay at her feet. It was still switched on, with the sound of static filling the room.