A MURDER investigation was launched yesterday after the bodies of a middle-aged married couple were found in their Chester home.
Paul Knowles and his wife Gillian were found dead in their semi-detached home at 59 Caughall Road, Upton, at noon yesterday.
Neighbours raised the alarm after seeing a note reading ‘PLEASE CALL THE POLICE’ taped to the front door.
Police officers entered the address and made the grim discovery.
The couple, both in their 40s, had lived in Alwyn Gardens about five years ago. They are thought to have moved to the refurbished home, which was once pink, about 18 months ago.
Gillian used to work at the Co-op pharmacy on Long Lane. A spokeswoman said: “We knew her as a former employee and we're shocked and saddened to hear the news.”
The couple’s adult son was being comforted by officers and neighbours at the scene. His sister, Phillipa, raced to the address from a college in Manchester.
Homeowners on Caughall Road stood in the street as five police cars and two ambulances arrived at the home and forensic officers entered the address.
The area was cordoned off with tape and several police officers stood guard, while other officers were interviewing neighbours.
A nearby resident said said: “One of my neighbours phoned me to say there was something going on.
“I’ve never spoken to them, I think they have lived there for more than a year but they’ve kept themselves to themselves.”
Police community support officers visited homeowners in the area yesterday to allay residents’ fears.
Cheshire police spokeswoman Jacqui Hanson said: “While police have made contact with immediate family, the process of contacting more extended family is ongoing.
“At this stage it is too early for police to conclusively confirm whether one, or both, of the deaths are being treated as suspicious.”
A post-mortem examination will take place today to determine the causes of death.
Anyone with any information is asked to ring 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
