Mystery of British couple found dead at home in south of France
Police appeal for information over unexplained deaths. The bodies were reportedly found outside their house
The couple, who had reportedly lived in the area for a decade, were well-known to their neighbours
Keith V / Shutterstock / Google Maps
A British couple were found dead at their home in Aveyron in unexplained circumstances on Thursday, February 6.
The bodies of the unnamed British couple - identified as an English man and Scottish woman in their 60s - were found by a neighbour at around 13:00 at their home near Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
They were reportedly discovered just outside the house, which is situated in a wooded area near the hamlet of Les Pesquiés which has a population of just 100 people .
Police investigators reached the couple’s secluded home later in the afternoon, setting up a security perimeter.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, however investigators have reportedly ruled out domestic violence.
Local police confirmed to The Connexion that the investigation is underway but were unable to give any details.
“If anyone has any information, please contact the Gendarmerie of Villefranche-de-Rouergue,” said the police spokesperson, adding that the ongoing case was “confidential”.
The number of the local gendarmerie is 05 65 65 19 40.
No arrests in murder investigation
Investigators initially suspected the couple were killed during a burglary, according to reports in French media.
However, the mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, told France 3 that this was unlikely.
"We don't really have any burglaries in our commune," he said. "And especially not violent burglaries".
"There was no knife found at the scene and it does not look like a burglary."
One neighbour contradicted the mayor saying that burglaries were a concern. He told media La Dépêche that they are “a real problem in the hamlet”.
Reports in the UK media claim that the husband had previously worked as a financial investigator in the fight against organised crime and terrorism.
"The theory is that they were being pursued by criminals from the UK," an investigating source told Mail Online. "This is currently the prioritised line of enquiry."
By February 7, nobody had been taken into custody.
‘Liked by everyone’
The couple had reportedly lived in the area for a decade and were well-known to their neighbours.
“They were great neighbours,” a local resident told La Dépêche. "We used to walk our pets together. They made us feel really welcome. It's weird to see this happen here, so close to home.
“They were appreciated by everyone and integrated into village life, despite the language barrier”.
