Neighbours have told of their shock over the unexplained death of a woman in a quiet Suffolk cul-de-sac.

Emergency services confirmed yesterday that a woman in her 50s had been found dead at the house in Acheson Way, Aldeburgh at around 10.30am.

A man in his 90s, who is understood to be the woman’s husband, was also found with a serious head wound and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The couple have been named locally this morning as John and Connie Hewitson.

Neighbours said Mrs Hewitson had been caring for her husband, who had dementia and was partially blind.

East Anglian Daily Times: Acheson Way in Aldeburgh, where police are investigaring an unexplained death Picture: ANDREW HIRSTAcheson Way in Aldeburgh, where police are investigaring an unexplained death Picture: ANDREW HIRST (Image: Archant)

One woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had been a very attentive carer.

“She was absolutely devoted to him,” the woman added. “She was extremely kind to everyone in the close.

“Lots of people knew her. She made it her job every Sunday evening to put the bins out for everyone.

“She was a really nice lady. I will miss her terribly.”

The neighbour said she noticed Mrs Hewitson had put the bins out on Sunday evening for collection.

By the next morning, however, another neighbour called on her door and said: “There’s been a terrible tragedy”.

The woman said she could see Mr Hewitson lying injured in the hallway.

Another neighbour, who also asked not to be named, said Mr Hewitson moved into the street in the mid-90s with his first wife, who later died.

The neighbour said Mr Hewitson had married Connie, who is originally from the Far East, after they met at a Chinese restaurant where she worked in Woodbridge.

“She was a lovely lady, I liked her,” the neighbour added.“She was so attentive to her husband.”

Neighbours described how the couple could often be seen outside the front of their home, where Mrs Hewitson would comb her husband’s hair while he sat in a chair.

It is thought Mr Hewitson worked for a train company before his retirement and had children and grandchildren from his previous marriage. Mrs Hewitson is also believed to have had a daughter from a previous relationship.

One neighbour said she had been concerned something was amiss as all the lights were off in the couple’s home on Sunday night.

Another described how emergency crews rushed to the scene on Monday morning.

“There were ambulances, police and fire engines, and teams with gloves and masks,” she added.

One resident praised the police for their response.

“They’ve done a fantastic job,” she said, “I felt quite secure last night, knowing the police were here as well.”

A spokesman for Suffolk police said last night: “A police scene is in place at the property whilst an investigation gets underway into the circumstances of what has taken place.

“At this early stage officers are treating the death as unexplained.”

Witnesses or anybody who has any information are asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 118 of October 15.