Friends of a British couple found dead at their home in the south of France have rejected theories that their deaths are a murder-suicide, reports say.
The bodies of Dawn and Andrew Searle were reportedly discovered on Thursday by a neighbour at their home in the village of Les Pesquies, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
The cause of death of the couple in their 60s is currently unknown but a helicopter, drone, criminal investigation technicians and a forensic doctor have been dispatched to the home, according to French outlets.
Neighbours came across Mrs Searle, 56, lying in her pyjamas in the grounds of the country homes and the mother-of-two is believed to have suffered a head wound and was found with her jewellery scattered around her body.
Gendarmes are understood to have found Mr Searle, 62, shortly afterwards hanging inside the home reportedly with a gag stuffed inside his mouth, according to the Telegraph.
Friends of the couple living close by in France have insisted that the deaths were not a murder-suicide and that their relationship was harmonious.
A couple, in their 60s, said: “Us Brits, who knew Dawn and Andy very well, are certain this is not a murder-suicide because of financial difficulties or anything like that.
“They weren’t flashy by any means, but they were definitely comfortable and had it good out here.
“They were always travelling. They recently went to a family wedding in Goa, they went to South America for their honeymoon.”
Another British couple who knew the Searles, said: “Life was good, why would they want to kill themselves?
“There was never any suggestion whatsoever of financial or material difficulties – as local business people they always paid us on time.”
It is understood the couple had regularly rented out part of their home to people on holiday and had been living at their home in France for 10 years.
The mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Jean-Sebastien Orcibal, reportedly told French television that the deaths were “clearly a homicide”.
Mrs Searle was the mother to former Hollyoaks actor Callum Kerr, who is “grieving the tragic loss” of his mother and has asked for privacy.
A representative of Scottish-born actor Kerr told the PA news agency: “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.
“We kindly request that their privacy be respected during this difficult period.
“We will provide updates as appropriate.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with the local authorities.”
