A “POPULAR” Brit couple were found dead in their remote home in south west France after a possible burglary gone wrong.
A neighbour in the hamlet of Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, found the two bodies early on Thursday afternoon.
French authorities have not disclosed the identities of the couple involved. However, investigators suspect that burglars may have chosen to target the isolated property, which is surrounded by dense forests.
It is believed they were in their 60s, and originally from England and Scotland.
An investigating source said: “It is feared that it might have been a burglary gone wrong.
“The house is very isolated, close to thick woods, and it may have been targeted.
“A neighbour who goes on long walks with the couple discovered the bodies when he called round to see them. He is currently speaking to detectives.”
The couple had relocated to the quiet village around 10 years ago, part of a tight-knit expat community of British retirees and second-home owners.
Known for their sociable nature, the couple was “extremely popular” with locals and often hosted dinner parties.
The insider said: “They had numerous friends locally and further afield including in Britain, and often organised dinner parties.”
He added: “They both loved the countryside, and were very happily settled.
“They were very proud of their house, which is situated well away from other buildings in the hamlet.”
By Thursday evening, police had cordoned off the house and its grounds as forensic officers scoured the area.
A helicopter carrying senior detectives was seen landing nearby, and drones circled overhead.
Gendarmes conducted house-to-house inquiries as part of the ongoing investigation.
A judicial inquiry has been launched, with local prosecutors reportedly “not ruling out any theory” in the deaths.
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