AN inquest into the deaths of a married couple who were found dead in their home was opened this week. 

The bodies of Eric Angell, 71, and his 67-year-old wife Pauline were found in Tankerville Drive, Leigh on April 10.

Essex Police was called to the address by the ambulance service following concerns for the couple’s welfare.

Police launched an investigation into their deaths and confirmed it is not looking for anyone else in connection to the deaths.

Mrs Angell died of multiple gunshot wounds to the head while her husband died of a single gunshot wound to the head, the inquest heard this week.

The couple were not known to mental health services, Essex Partnership University NHS Trust, confirmed.

Opening the inquest into Mr Angell’s death coroner’s officer Marianne Robson said: “He was found dead at his home, the ambulance service was called and his death was confirmed at the scene.

“A post mortem was carried out by doctor Benjamin Swift at Southend Hospital and a provisional cause of death was given as gun shot wound to the head.”

Opening the inquest into Mrs Angell’s death Ms Robson said: “She was found dead at the home and her death was confirmed at the scene.

“Doctor Benjamin Swift carried a post mortem and gave a provisional cause of death of gun shot wounds to the head.”

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In a statement released by Essex Police, the couple’s family said: “Pauline and Eric were a devoted couple, with a long and happy marriage.

“They were supported and much-loved by their family and friends.

“However, Eric had been suffering with his physical health, and more recently with his mental health, culminating in their tragic loss.

“Both families would request privacy to mourn at this extremely difficult time.”