A British couple have been found dead in their home in south west France.
French media reported they were both aged in their 60s, and the couple are believed to have lived in Scotland for many years before moving to France.
The mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, told French television that the deaths were “clearly a homicide”.
They are understood to have lived in the hamlet of Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, for around 10 years.
Local media reported a neighbour discovered the bodies around 12:20 on Thursday and that the police investigation remains ongoing.
Mr Orcibal dismissed speculation the deaths were due to a burglary “gone wrong”, and said “no knife was found”.
The couple were described as being “well integrated” in the village.
A helicopter, a drone, criminal investigation technicians and a forensic doctor were all seen at the home throughout Thursday.
Les Pesquiès has around 100 residents and the area is popular with expats.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with the local authorities”.
