An 82-year-old man called police just moments after shooting his wife before turning the shotgun on himself at a remote countryside cottage, it has emerged.

The man and woman found dead at a house in Chapel Road, Boxted, are believed to be 82-year-old Harold Ambrose and his wife Wendy, aged 77.

Police received a 999 call from a man believed to be Mr Ambrose saying he had shot his wife and planned to shoot himself at about 6.35am yesterday.

Armed police attended the property and discovered a man’s body in the back garden. He had a single shotgun wound to the face.

The body of Wendy Ambrose was then found in a chair in the lounge. She had suffered two shotgun wounds, one to the face and another to the head.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Werrett, said: “The post mortem examinations have been completed and both died from their shotgun wounds. “This was consistent with the evidence the forensic officers found at the scene and the initial telephone call to the police. “I do not believe anyone else was involved in their deaths.

“Our enquiries will continue and a report will be submitted to HM Coroner in due course. “The house will remain under police control while other searches are ongoing.”