A British couple have been discovered dead at their home in southwest France, with investigators exploring whether they were victims of a burglary.
However, authorities have not ruled out other possible causes.
The deceased, reportedly named by French media outlet La Dépêche as Dawn and Andrew Searle, were found on Thursday in the hamlet of Les Pesquiés, near Villefranche-de-Rouergue in the Aveyron region.
Having relocated to the area around a decade ago, the couple were well-integrated into the local community.
Searle had previously worked in the UK as a financial investigator specialising in organised crime. His LinkedIn profile suggests he retired in 2015 after holding roles at Barclays and Standard Life, describing himself as “enjoying life in rural France”.
His extensive experience spanned over 20 years in financial crime prevention, including anti-money laundering, fraud detection, and anti-bribery measures.
Local reports indicate that a neighbour made the grim discovery. France3 quoted the mayor as saying the couple were well-liked, sociable, and known for their dogs.
Police, forensic teams, and the public prosecutor attended the scene on Thursday. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office confirmed: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with local authorities.”
This tragic incident remains under active investigation, with officials working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
