Two people have been arrested after a 34-year-old man was shot dead at a house party in Headley near Epsom.

The man was found with a gunshot wound when police were called to the £1 million mansion in Church Lane at 2.30am on Monday.

A 36-year-old woman was also shot in the leg but her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Surrey Police said this afternoon two people have been arrested, one on suspicion of murder and the other on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Neighbours described large numbers of people of "African origin" arriving for the pool party on Sunday evening.

Local councillor David Preedy had warned police there could be a disturbance due to the size of the gathering and because of previous events held at the property.

Mr Preedy, who lives about a quarter of a mile away, said: "There was a noisy party last year that I know was problematic. It started at 11pm and went on until 5am on Monday morning so was decidedly unpopular.

"When it was clear that the repeat was being organised, I notified the police on behalf of the parish council and on behalf of the community. Obviously I didn't realise what was going to happen.

"It (the house) is rented out. I understand it is the second or third of these parties. I was told last year that it was an event people were paying for tickets to attend.

"I became aware a large number of people were gathering.

"I called the police and asked them to patrol and make organisers know they should be considerate neighbours. I am pretty sure it was noisy through the night.

"I haven't spoken to enough people about it but I am sure people will be shocked and very worried."

David Baxter, who has friends in Church Lane, said: "It was a group of African-origin people. There was a smashed car, glass everywhere.

"The house is next to the church and it is rented out for parties."

Another resident said: "I drove past the house last night and there were lots of people, there were cars parked everywhere, in people's driveways. There were lots of women in brightly coloured African dresses.

"I drove past again at 5.30am on my way to work and it was cordoned off, it had all kicked off."

He added: "The house is owned by a developer from Mitcham who rents it out for parties."

Neighbour Nick Woolley said: "There was a very loud private party in a house very close to the church which started at 5pm and I was awoken by very loud music, rap-style.

"I was woken at 2.30am by cars honking their cars, trying to get away from it. It was a very loud party with a DJ which was disturbing anyone near it.

"About 3am a police helicopter was overhead and it was circling for 45 minutes. The village is now swarming with police."

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Reggae dancehall artist Braintear Spookie, real name Jason White, posted adverts for the party on his Instagram account (pictured above).

The 21-year-old, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, but who moved to the UK in 2013, is listed on the advert as an organiser of the event along with "The Female Boss".

The advert promotes "The Big Mansion Pool Party Part 3 Called My League @ A Posh Location in The Hills", with the Headley address at the bottom of the image.

The singer, who has produced songs with titles including Hurt It Up, Nuh Fault Wid Yuh, and Cah Tek Mi Life, also posted pictures of himself posing with a water pistol at what appeared to be the poolside at the venue prior to the party, which cost £20 to attend.

Detective Superintendent Bex Smith said the shooting was a “shocking turn of events” at the private party.

Police are appealing for anyone with information or footage of what happened to come forward, and also want to speak to anyone who saw a white and black Mini which left the scene following the incident.

The weapon used in the shooting, believed to be a handgun, has not yet been recovered.

Det Supt Smith added: “There continues to be a significant police presence in the local area but I would reassure the local community we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to Headley residents.

“A police cordon is in place and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours whilst work at the scene is carried out.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference P16166903, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.