A retired police inspector and his partner have been found shot dead at a house in Devizes, Wiltshire, police have confirmed. The families have been informed but formal identification has not yet taken place.
Wiltshire Police have confirmed that the body of a former inspector with the force was discovered at a property in Devizes.
Concerned neighbours raised the alarm after hearing gun shots at the house on Saturday morning.
On arrival the bodies of a man and a woman were found who appear to have sustained gunshot wounds.The Major Crime Investigation Team are conducting an investigation into the circumstances of their deaths.
The deceased man has been formally identified as William Harold Dowling (known as Bill) aged 59 from Moonraker Estate, Devizes. Bill was an ex Wiltshire Police Inspector who retired from the force in January 2007.
The families continue to receive support from our specialist officers and ask that media respect their privacy. Our thoughts are with the families at this very sad time.
Wiltshire Police have issued a statement thanking the community in Devizes for their support as they continue to investigate the deaths of a former officer and his partner.
News of these tragic deaths will have been a shock to the community and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two people involved. I would like to reiterate that this is an isolated incident and reassure members of the community that Devizes is a safe place. I would like to thank residents for their understanding as there will be an increased police presence on the estate as officers continue to conduct vital enquiries.
A police officer stands guard outside the property where the two bodies were discovered Credit: Ryan Hooper/PA Wire
Forensic officers are conducting a search of a property in Devizes, Wiltshire where the bodies of a former policeman and his partner were discovered yesterday.
A police spokesperson said they hoped to release the identities of the deceased later this afternoon.
Police: Firearm found at scene of Wiltshire shooting
A firearm was recovered at the scene where a retired police inspector and his female partner were found dead on Saturday morning in Wiltshire, police have said.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Saunders from Wiltshire police has said: "The investigation continues to try and establish what led to this tragic incident.
"We have recovered a weapon from the scene. My working assumption is that weapons were discharged and the victims had sustained some form of gunshot wounds."
Neighbours overheard a number of gunshots from the address yesterday morning Credit: Ryan Hooper/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Post-mortem examinations will be carried out today.
Officers are not looking for anybody else in connection with the shootings, which happened on Moonrakers estate in Devizes.
