Investigators in charge of the shocking deaths of Dawn and Andrew Searle have set up a massive crime scene in Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, in France
Police have revealed disturbing new details about the deaths of a Brit couple at their home in France, suggesting the two may have been tortured before being killed.
The bodies of Andrew and and Dawn Searle, who were both in their 60s, were found at their home in Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, on Thursday afternoon. The property and surrounding land has been turned into an extensive crime scene by local police, who are now exploring what happened to the couple as unsettling theories are aired in public.
Investigators working the case have questioned whether the couple were targets of a "burglary gone wrong" after being pursued by Brit criminals. They have now revealed the disturbing circumstances in which Mr Searle’s body was found as inquiries into the puzzling crime continue.
Andrew Searle was found hanged at his home ( Image: Facebook)
French police have revealed today that Andrew Searle was discovered hanged inside the house with a gag in his mouth. There was no gun or knife nearby, suggesting he may have suffered a horrifying death by torture.
His wife Dawn was found nearby, naked and with a wound to the head. Her body was lying by the front door, just in front of the house, with jewellery scattered around her. The grisly details suggest she may have been trying to escape when killed by an unidentified intruder or intruders.
The macabre details were revealed by an enquiry source speaking to French publication La Dépêche. The source said: "The wife’s body was first discovered, completely naked, in front of the door of the house. Around the unfortunate woman, jewellery was found scattered, testifying to a great disorder. In the house, the husband’s body was discovered hanging with a gag stuck in his mouth."
French Police have set up a massive crime scene in the sleepy village of Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue
A forensic doctor working for the judicial authorities in Montpellier arrived at the site by helicopter on Thursday. He carried out an initial examination of the bodies, but is not thought to have found bullet or knife wounds. While autopsies are being carried out and there is no confirmed cause of death, investigating sources have previously said enquiries are focussing on a potential burglary gone wrong.
The source said: "A criminal enquiry 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 United Kingdom. This is currently the prioritised line of enquiry, because Mr Searle was once involved in the fight against organised crime and terrorism."
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