An 87-year-old woman was shot dead and her husband suffered head wounds in a "tragic" shooting incident at their home.

Dorothy Parsons was found dead in the couple's home at Frost Farm Cottages, in Golden Lane, Thorpe-Le-Soken at 8.20am on Sunday.

Police searching the building found her husband Leslie, 82, had also been shot but was alive.

He was immediately airlifted by the Essex Air Ambulance to Oldchurch Hospital in London where he is currently being treated for gunshot wounds to the head.

His condition was yesterday described as stable. Police are hoping to interview him about the incident as soon as possible.

Police yesterday confirmed no-one else is currently being sought in connection with the incident.

A Clacton police spokesman said the injuries were the result of a "tragic incident" and confirmed the coroner had been informed.

A .22 pistol was recovered from the house which the couple shared with their daughter Brenda Thompson and her husband Roy.

Mr and Mrs Thompson were away from their home yesterday. Their two pet dogs were being cared for by neighbours.

The shooting has shocked the village. Neighbour Roy Bennington and his girlfriend, Gillian Coates, had been out for a meal and did not get back until the early hours of the morning.

Mr Bennington said: "We are all very shocked. It is not what you expect around here. The first we knew about it was the helicopter landing next door.

"The couple who own the house are quiet. I have spoken to the bloke over the fence but apart from that I don't know them."

Miss Coates added: "It is a real shock. They would always wave but really they kept themselves to themselves."

Local history recorder Pearl Lonsdale said: "It is a terrible tragedy and quite unbelievable."

Tendring district councillor Jose Powell described the incident as a "tragic event".

Police appealed for anyone who was in the area of Golden Lane on Saturday evening to contact Clacton CID on 01255 221312.

Scene - police outside the house.

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