Inquest opens into elderly couple's deaths

An inquest into the deaths of an elderly couple has opened in Bournemouth.

The bodies of Michael, and Heather Newton, aged 76 and 70, were found by police at a house in Anthony's Avenue, Poole, Dorset, at 11:35 GMT on 31 December.

Post-mortem examinations revealed Mr Newton died of hanging but have been unable to provide a cause of death of Mrs Newton.

Speaking at an inquest at Bournemouth Town Hall, Coroner Brendan Allen adjourned the two cases for full inquests to be heard on 22 July.

"In the meantime I will await the results of the post mortem," Mr Allen said.

Coroner's officer Nicola Muller told the hearing the couple were formally identified by photographs provided by their family.

Police forensic officers were seen carrying out examinations of the couple's home on Friday, including a boat and a car parked on their driveway.

Bunches of flowers were also seen left at the entrance to the driveway.

Neighbour Edward Ramsbottom, 86, said that Mr and Mrs Newton were a "pleasant" couple and their deaths had come as a shock to the area.

In a statement released following the deaths, Det Insp Ian Allen, of Dorset Police, said: "This is a very sad incident and we are doing all we can to support the next of kin.

"At this time, it is not believed anyone else was involved in the incident and inquiries will continue to find out the full circumstances surrounding the deaths."

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.