Dead couple 'drowned and hanged'

A post mortem examination on an elderly couple found dead at their home, showed the wife drowned and the husband died from hanging.

Staffordshire police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths of Dyllis Lloyd, 61, and her husband Arthur, 62.

The couple were found after officers forced their way into their bungalow, in Talke, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, at about 1430BST on Saturday.

Officers had to smash their way through a window in the home on Coppice Road.

Frightened

Forensic experts examined the bungalow as the police investigation into the deaths began.

Mr Lloyd retired last year from his job as a joiner and his wife worked in the sales department of local distribution centre Total Home Entertainment.

The couple had a son and two grandchildren.

Neighbours of the couple said they were well-known and liked in the small community.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she could not believe what had happened.

"We knew them really well, their son was the same age as ours and the children used to play together.

"I can't believe what has happened, I'm totally shocked and frightened."