Authorities confirm Andrew and Dawn Searle were victims of homicide in their Villefranche-de-Rouergue home.

A British couple has been found dead in their home in south-west France, prompting authorities to launch a full-scale murder investigation. Andrew and Dawn Searle, both in their 60s, were discovered by a neighbour on Thursday in Les Pesquiès, a quiet hamlet near Villefranche-de-Rouergue.

French officials have ruled out a burglary or domestic tragedy, with the town’s mayor, Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, stating bluntly that the deaths were “clearly a homicide.” The exact cause of death remains unknown, but forensic teams and helicopters have been deployed as police intensify their investigation.

The couple, who had lived in the region for around a decade, were described as well-liked members of the community. Mr Searle, a former financial crime prevention expert at Standard Life and Barclays, was known for his friendly nature, and neighbours expressed shock at the brutal crime.

“They were lovely people—hearing about this is extremely distressing,” a neighbour told MailOnline. “They were always out and about. What has happened has caused a lot of fear.”

The UK Foreign Office has confirmed they are assisting the couple’s family while working with French authorities. As the mystery deepens, investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances behind the chilling double murder.