23 hours Ago By Evening Standard
A British couple have been found dead in a suspected murder-suicide at their home in a suburb of the New Zealand capital, Wellington . Police made the grim discovery after a concerned family member asked for a welfare check on the occupants of the property in Palliser Road, Roseneath at about 10.25pm on Monday, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Post-mortems were completed on Wednesday and the case will be referred to the coroner, as police are not searching for anyone else in relation to the deaths, the publication said. The couple have been named locally as Ben and Claire Anderson. Their neighbour told the Herald they were "dream neighbours".
Emma Prestidge said Mr Anderson had been living and working in New Zealand, while Ms Anderson had been moving between New Zealand and the UK, before settling in Wellington in December. He worked in science, she had been a teacher, and they had adult children in New Zealand, she said. "He was a clever, caring, charming man.
She was vibrant, kind, intelligent and both of them made friends wherever they went. They were both absolutely wonderful human beings,' their landlord told the Herald. "Both they and their family lived life to the absolute full and were always planning or doing amazing adventures," the owner said.
"They were both such positive and incredible parents, friends, and members of many communities. "We send our love and condolences to their [family] and friends." Police are still conducting inquiries, and have told local residents to expect an increased presence in the area.
A FCDO spokesperson said: "We have not been approached for consular assistance in this case, but our staff stand ready to support British Nationals overseas 24/7.".
