A DOUBLE death riddle involving a middle aged couple was today being investigated by police.

The couple, believed to be Mr Michael Horner and his wife Hazel, of Highercroft Road, Lower Darwen, were both found dead in their home late last night.

The 54-year-old woman was found strangled in the downstairs lounge of their semi-detached home and the 52-year-old man was found hanging from a roof beam.

Police have not revealed whether a suicide note was found at the scene.

Shocked neighbours were today coming to terms with the horrific death of an apparently ordinary, quiet couple.

Neighbour Des Owen, 59, said: "I can't believe it. He was such an affable chap. He would talk to anybody. He was a very keen gardener and used to help an elderly lady next door with her garden."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, added: "I saw him yesterday at around 3pm and he waved to me.

"He kept himself to himself but recently he had become more chatty." Certainly, none of the neighbours in Highercroft Road had any inclination that there was anything amiss with the couple.

But Acting Inspector Martin Worden, of Blackburn Police, said he was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. He said: "At 11pm last night our officers attended the address.

"After entering the premises they found a 54-year-old woman in the downstairs lounge.

"She was dead and the cause of death appears to be strangulation.

"On further investigation they found a 52-year-old man hanging from a rope fixed to a beam in the attic.

"He would appear to have hung himself."

The coroner and Home Office pathologist have both been informed and post mortem examinations will be carried out later today.

It is believed the couple have two adult daughters who live away from the area.

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