A man called police to say he had shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. 

It is believed Harold Ambrose, 82, called Essex Police at 6.30am on Saturday morning to say his wife Wendy, 77, was dead and he was planning on shooting himself.

Armed police rushed to the home in Chapel Road, Boxted, where they found Mr Ambrose in the back garden with a single gun shot wound to the head.

They found Mrs Ambrose, who had suffered two gun shot wounds to the head, sat in a chair in the living room. 

DCI Simon Werrett, Senior Investigating Officer, said: "The post mortem examinations have been completed and both died from their shotgun wounds.

"This was consistent with the evidence the forensic officers found at the scene and the initial telephone call to the police.

"I do not believe anyone else was involved in their deaths.

"Our enquires will continue and a report will be submitted to HM Coroner in due course.

"The house will remain under police control while other searches are on going.”

Police had cordoned off parts of Chapel Road and Cage Lane in the village for most of Saturday. 

A cordon remains in place outside the home and a forensics tent can be seen in the backgarden. 

Neighbours have described the pair as a loving and devoted couple who were upstanding and well thought of members of the Boxted community. 

It is understood they have one daughter and had been married for more than 50 years.

Essex Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.