A WOMAN found dead in a bungalow died from stab wounds to the chest and abdomen, police have revealed.

Dave Gooderham

A WOMAN found dead in a bungalow died from stab wounds to the chest and abdomen, police have revealed.

The bodies of Keith and Christine McDonald were found in the property in New Cheveley Road, Newmarket, on Friday night.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police today revealed that Mrs McDonald died from stab wounds while Mr McDonald died from “inhalation of fire fumes”.

The couple - who were both taxi drivers in the town - were discovered by emergency services on Friday night after neighbours became concerned for their “welfare”. Police officers also found the remains of a fire.

Derek Spencer, from the Newmarket Taxi Drivers Association, last night described the despair at the grim discovery.

Mr Spencer said: “We wish to express our feelings of despair at the death of Christine McDonald, which was a tragedy.

“She was one of the most hard-working, genuine and professional people you could have the privilege of working with.

“During this sad time, there's a genuine sense of loss among her colleagues. Our thoughts are with her family. She will be greatly missed by everyone who worked with her.”

Mr McDonald, 47, lived in New Cheveley Road, while police confirmed that Mrs McDonald, 48, lived at Lapwing Court, Mildenhall.

Police and fire officers forced their way into the Newmarket home at around 5.15pm on Friday following reports of a blaze and found the two bodies inside.

Neighbours called the police after becoming concerned about the welfare of the couple - but officers quickly ruled out any “third-party involvement”.

Det Supt John Raine, who was investigating the case, confirmed that the couple could well have been in the house for several hours together before the discovery which he described as an isolated incident.

The couple's two taxi cabs were sealed off within a police cordon as forensic experts surveyed the scene. An investigation into the cause of the fire is also under way.

A spokesman for Cambridge Coroners said that an inquest would be opened and adjourned this afternoon in Wisbech.