A 21-year-old man arrested over the deaths of two boys on Epi is reportedly known to have a history of mental health problems, according to information from community witnesses.

Senior Sergeant Alan Joseph of Rovobay Police told VBTC News that information from witnesses also suggested the suspect may have been under the influence of marijuana.

The claims are yet to verified, and police investigations into the deaths of the two boys, aged 6 and 16, from Lokopui village are continuing.

Police work with chiefs to calm tensions

Joseph said police were working closely with chiefs in East Epi to help calm the victims’ parents and immediate family members following the deaths.

He acknowledged the grief and shock within the community and appealed to families not to seek revenge.

“We have been talking extensively with the chiefs and working closely with them to try to calm the feelings of the parents and immediate families of the children. Even though they are shocked and may be thinking about revenge, we have told them not to take matters into their own hands.”

The Vanuatu Police Force confirmed that officers from Rovobay arrested the suspect, Roger Markson, as investigations continue to establish the charges that may be laid against him.

Details emerge about the incidents

Information received by VBTC News indicates the first incident allegedly occurred at around 10am on Thursday.

Community members reportedly searched for the six-year-old boy from Thursday afternoon until Friday afternoon. Information provided to VBTC News indicates that a second incident involving the 16-year-old boy allegedly occurred on Friday afternoon.

A family member told VBTC News that community members last saw the two boys with the suspect on Saturday morning the previous week.

During the search, a woman reportedly saw the suspect washing a bloodstained knife and wearing clothing stained with blood. She then reported the matter to a community leader.

Police urge community to allow investigation to proceed

Police have appealed to the East Epi community not to take the law into their own hands while investigations continue.

Joseph said officers were engaging with chiefs to help ease tensions and encourage the families and community to allow police to handle the case according to the law.

The suspect remains in police custody while investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths .