A couple from Britain has been found dead at their residence in South West France. The bodies of Andrew and Dawn Searle were discovered by their neighbour, who had gone to check on them after they did not return to walk their dogs as planned. The two had moved to France a few years ago from Scotland and were living in the hamlet of Les Pesquiés, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue. The police reported that the deaths were very likely homicides, although the cause of death is still unknown.
The man who discovered the bodies, Mr. Searle’s wife’s husband, described the couple as well-integrated and socializing with neighbours in Villefranche-de-Rouergue. The finding and investigation has unsettled the hundred or so residents of Les Pesquiès, an area that is popular with expatriates. The community were very fond of the couple, finding them to be friendly as well as hospitable, inviting them for drinks and other activities.
Reports indicate that early investigations by law enforcement officials have dismissed rumours that the couple’s deaths were due to a burglary gone bad. The Rodez prosecutor, Nicolas Rigot-Muller, in charge of the investigation, has not yet commented on the matter. Just before the pandemic, the couple started having community gatherings at their home, where they invited people to have drinks and socialize.
Mr. Searle was a financial crime prevention expert at Standard Life and Barclays, and he had been previously married. There is increased concern for the residents of Les Pesquiès, particularly with the deaths being ruled as a homicide, and the police deploying criminal investigation technicians and a forensic doctor to examine the scene. The discovery of the couple’s murder has come as a shock to the British expat community, and the UK’s Foreign Office has issued a statement that says they are in contact with local authorities, and that their thoughts are with the family of the deceased couple
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