Pensioners in double death tragedy

The man, Donald Taylor, in his late 70s, is believed to have hanged himself. His estranged wife, Audrey, of a similar age, lay dead in the kitchen nearby.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, of Sussex Police’s Major Crime Branch, who is leading the investigation, said: “At the moment we are not looking for a third party in connection with these deaths.”

Neighbours who called at the £500,000 tile-hung, detached house in leafy Collington Rise stumbled on the tragedy at around 10am and called police.

They had entered the house after finding keys in the front door and a note advising that help was needed inside.

At the scene on Wednesday, DCI Bowles said: “The man was hanging from a bannister rail. At this stage it appears he has taken his own life.

“The woman, believed to have been his estranged wife, was lying on the kitchen floor and appears to have suffered head injuries.

“We also found the body of a dog on a settee in the lounge. Forensic post mortems will be taking place to determine the causes of death, and scientific support teams are gathering evidence inside the house.

“Uniformed police officers have started door-to-door enquiries to help us build up a picture of the couple and what has occurred here. We will also be seeking to formally identify the bodies.”

Next-door neighbour Mrs Minerva Spiteri, who has lived in Collington Rise for the past four years, was shocked to hear of the tragedy

She said; “The house next to mine is owned by Donald Taylor - Don - who is about 80. He lived alone and kept himself to himself, but he seemed a nice gentleman and helpful if you needed a hand.”

“I believe his wife lived in Tunbridge Wells and I don’t think they had any children. It’s terrible to think this has happened here.”

Other neighbours described Mr Taylor as having a controlling personality and spoke of the couple’s turbulent relationship.

Anyone with information that they think may be helpful to the police investigation is asked to call 0845 60 70 999 or to contact the free, anonymous Crimestoppers linkline on 0800 555111.