Andrew and Dawn Searle were found dead in their home in south west France (Image: Facebook)
A British couple found dead in their home in France might have been tortured and murdered, it is believed.
Andrew and Dawn Searle, originally from England and Scotland, were found by their neighbour in the hamlet of Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, on Thursday afternoon.
Police and forensics officers are investigating their property and grounds, which are now a crime scene.
Drones could also be seen circling overhead, while house-to-house enquiries are being carried out by gendarmes.
An investigating source initially revealed: “It is feared that it might have been a burglary gone wrong.
“The house is very isolated, close to thick woods, and it may have been targeted. A neighbour who goes on long walks with the couple discovered the bodies when he called round to see them. He is currently speaking to detectives.”
Another source, however, told French publication La Depeche: “A criminal inquiry has been launched and the fear is that the couple were murdered.
“They were very fit, and very popular locally, but there is a theory that they were being pursued by criminals from the . This is currently the prioritised line of inquiry, because Mr Searle was once involved in the fight against organised crime and terrorism.”
Mrs Searle was found with a wound to the head while her husband showed signs of violence.
Regional prosecutor Nicolas Rigot-Muller said: “Both died a violent death,” he said. “All scenarios are being examined.”
A post-mortem examination is set to take place on Monday.
The couple, aged in their 60s, moved to Les Pesquiès, which is in the Aveyron area, about 10 years ago. It is full of British expats and home owners from the UK. The pair were said to be extremely popular.
An investigating source said: “They had numerous friends locally and further afield including in Britain, and often organised dinner parties. They both loved the countryside, and were very happily settled. They were very proud of their house, which is situated well away from other buildings in the hamlet.”