Faulty motor killed canal couple

A faulty outboard motor has been blamed for the deaths

A couple found dead on a canal boat in Staffordshire died from carbon monoxide poisoning, tests have revealed.

Michael Tudor, 46, and Karen Van-Rooyen, 42, were found on the boat on the Shropshire Union Canal at Norbury, near Stafford, last Wednesday.

The couple are believed to have lived on the boat, which was moored near the Junction pub. Their dog also died.

Staffordshire Police said it appeared the deaths were caused by a faulty outboard motor.

A spokesman said: "Toxicology tests carried out following the deaths have now confirmed that the pair died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Although the deaths will still be subject to a full inquest, initial inquiries suggest that this was as a result of a fault on the boat's outboard motor."

He said the deaths of the couple were not being treated as suspicious.

Further tests will be carried out on the boat by British Waterways and officers are preparing a full report for the coroner.