Elderly couple of their seventies discovered lifeless in dwelling on New Year’s Eve as police probe ‘suspected murder-suicide’
An elderly couple in their seventies have been found dead in a home on New Year’s Eve in what is reportedly investigated as a potential murder-suicide.
Police have launched an investigation to find out the circumstances of how the pair – who were known to one another – died.
The bodies were discovered at 11.23am in Poole, Dorset. The next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified.
No one else was being sought in connection with the incident, which unconfirmed reports suggested could be a murder-suicide.
A police cordon was thrown up around the house as a Major Crime Unit investigation was launched.
A spokesman for Dorset Police said: ‘Detectives have launched an investigation after a man and woman were found dead at an address in Poole.
‘The incident in Anthony’s Avenue was reported to police at 11.35am today.
‘Officers attended, along with the ambulance service and the bodies of a man and a woman – both aged in their 70s – were located within the property. An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of both deaths.
A Google street view image of the road where the couple were found
‘The man and the woman were known to each other. Their next kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified.’
Detective Inspector Ian Allen, of Dorset Police, said: ‘This is a very sad incident and we are doing all we can to support the next of kin.
‘Officers are carrying out inquiries to establish exactly what happened and a cordon is in place to allow a thorough investigation of the scene to take place.
‘At this time, it is not believed anyone else was involved in the incident and inquiries will continue to find out the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
‘I am appealing to anyone who may have any information to help our investigation to please contact Dorset Police.
‘We are trying to establish a timeline of what happened, but are currently considering the period over the Christmas holidays until today.
‘There will be an increased police presence in the area and we would encourage anyone to contact officers from the local neighbourhood policing team if they have any concerns or information.’
Anyone with information was asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
