THE inquests into the deaths of an elderly couple shot dead at their home have been opened by the coroner.

Harold, 82, and Wendy Ambrose, 77, died on Saturday morning at their home in Chapel Road, Boxted.

Detectives are still investigating the double shooting however nobody else is believed to be involved.

Harold was shot once in the head and Wendy suffered multiple wounds to the head.

Coroner’s officer Laura Howarde, speaking at the Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford yesterday, said: “Harold Ambrose was found dead at his home address.

“Forensic pathologist Dr Swift gave the provisional cause of death of shotgun wound to the head.

“Wendy Ambrose was found dead at her home address.

“The provisional cause of death was given as shotgun wounds to the head.” Area Coroner Eleanor McGann opened and adjourned the inquests until September.

At 6.30am on Saturday police received a call from Mr Ambrose saying his wife was dead and he was going to kill himself.

It is believed he shot them both with neighbours confident it was an act of mercy rather than murder.

It is understood both were ill and Mrs Ambrose’s health had deteriorated in recent months.

Family flowers have been left at the black wooden panelled thatched cottage, called Wenlocks, including from their daughter Claire.

She wrote: “In loving memory of a dear father and mother, may you both rest in peace.

Love from your daughter Claire.”

Police have maintained a cordon at the scene since Saturday.

Det Chief Insp Simon Werrett, speaking after the deaths, 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.”