French prosecutors verify how Andrew and Daybreak Searle died

French prosecutors have confirmed how a British couple died, 5 days after they had been discovered of their rural dwelling in south-west France.

The our bodies of Andrew and Daybreak Searle had been found by a neighbour within the hamlet of Les Pesquiès, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, on Thursday.

Put up-mortem examinations have now confirmed Mr Searle, 62, died from hanging and Mrs Searle, 56, suffered “a number of blows to the top with a blunt and sharp-edged object”.

Prosecutors in Rodez issued an replace on the case however the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the couple – who moved to France from Scotland about 10 years in the past – stay unclear.

The assertion added: “The investigation is ongoing, notably to find out whether or not the tragedy resulted from a home crime adopted by suicide or concerned a 3rd social gathering.”

Ms Searle was found partially undressed in entrance of the couple’s dwelling at about 12:27 on 6 February however “no proof of sexual assault was discovered”.

Firefighters who responded to the alert then found Mr Searle behind the home and notified police.

The assertion mentioned the the property “appeared to have been searched superficially” and money was discovered within the couple’s bed room.

Additional toxicological checks are below approach as a part of the investigation, which is being led by Toulouse Police.

Ms Searle grew up in Eyemouth within the Scottish Borders, and Mr Searle was initially from England.

They lived in Musselburgh, close to Edinburgh, earlier than they moved to France and married in Villefranche-de-Rouergue in 2023.

In accordance with his LinkedIn web page, Mr Searle beforehand labored in monetary crime prevention at corporations together with Normal Life and Barclays Financial institution.

On Saturday Ms Searle’s son, ex-Hollyoaks actor Callum Kerr, issued an announcement on Instagram on behalf of the couple’s 4 shared youngsters.

It learn: “Presently, Callum Kerr and Amanda Kerr are grieving the lack of their mom, Daybreak Searle (née Smith, Kerr) whereas Tom Searle and Ella Searle are mourning the lack of their father, Andrew Searle.”

Mr Kerr, who performed PC George Kiss in Hollyoaks and has appeared in Netflix’s Virgin River, requested that the household’s privateness was revered throughout this “tough interval”, including that they would supply updates as acceptable.

The 30-year-old, who walked his mom down the aisle, has additionally launched numerous nation songs.

Mr and Mrs Searle, who had lived within the Aveyron area for 5 years, had been discovered at their dwelling in Les Pesquiès.

The invention was made by a neighbour, who went to verify on them once they failed to show up for a deliberate canine stroll.

The realm round their indifferent home was sealed off whereas investigations happened, and native police known as in professional assist from Toulouse, which is about 70km (43 miles) away.

In addition to intensive forensics exercise, a helicopter and a drone had been additionally despatched to the location.

A spokesperson for the UK’s International Workplace mentioned: “We’re supporting the household of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with the native authorities.”