Major replace after Brit man and mum of Hollyoaks star discovered useless at French house

Andrew and Dawn Searle were found dead at their home in rural France in February this year – there was a mystery around the deaths but cops have now issued a major update

Cops have issued a major update following the death of a British couple in rural southwest France.

Andrew and Dawn Searle were found dead at their home in Les Pequies, around one hour north of Toulouse, on February 6. Dawn’s body was found in the garden with head wounds, while Andrew’s was found hanging inside the property. Police have now confirmed their deaths were a murder-suicude.

It is understood Ms Kerr and Mr Searle were the mother and stepfather of Scottish actor and musician Callum Kerr, who played PC George Kiss in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, and appeared in Netflix’s Virgin River.

Post-mortem examinations confirmed Mr Searle died from hanging and Mrs Searle suffered “multiple blows to the head with a blunt and sharp-edged object.”

Sources close to the initial police investigation suggested the death of the pair could have been the result of a burglary gone wrong.

Officers then looked into the possibility of a revenge attack because of Andrew’s work combatting financial fraud.

According to his LinkedIn page, Mr Searle was a retired fraud investigator specialising in financial crime prevention who worked at companies including Standard Life and Barclays Bank.

Prosecutor Fabrice Belargent said that “the analysis carried out does not so far show any evidence that a third party was involved”.

But police have now said there is no evidence to suggest another person was involved in the deaths.

A statement posted on Calllum Kerr’s social media accounts on February 8 said: “At this time, Callum Kerr and Amanda Kerr are grieving the loss of their mother, Dawn Searle (nee Smith, Kerr), while Tom Searle and Ella Searle are mourning the loss of their father, Andrew Searle.”

It asked for the family’s privacy be respected “during this difficult period.”

A local who works at a nearby fireplace shop last month told the Mirror Dawn visited to book chimney sweep appointments for herself and villagers around 18 hours before the couple met their “violent deaths.”

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She said Dawn, a project manager, was in good spirits despite feeling unwell with the flu, adding: “Her mood was very good, [and she was] smiley.”

The shopkeeper, who knew the couple well, said Dawn, 56, and Andrew, 62, were a “very generous and united couple” who gave up their Sundays to teach their French neighbours to speak English free of charge.

Another local businessman described the pair as the “perfect couple” who were always involved in social events held in the community. The mechanic said he regularly serviced Dawn’s white Dacia Duster SUV and enjoyed bantering with Andrew about England playing rugby against France.

A statement issued by French prosecutors in February said: “The two deceased persons, a man and a woman, were the owners of the house in which their bodies were discovered.

“They were British expatriates, retired, and had been living in Aveyron for five years.

“The first victim, Ms Kerr, has a significant head injury.

“A box containing jewellery was found near to her, but no item or weapon which could have caused the injuries were located.

“Mr Searle, who was found hanged … did not show any visible defensive injuries.”

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

If you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge’s 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free. The number is 0808 2000 247