British ex-pat grandparents Charlie and Gayle Anderson murdered in their Jamaican home, 'devastated' sons confirm

British ex-pat grandparents were murdered in their Jamaican home, their “devastated” sons have confirmed.

Charlie and Gayle Anderson, aged 74 and 71, were "pillars of the community" and "hugely popular and loved by many", their two sons said.

The couple had been married for 55 years and recently retired to Mount Pleasant, Jamaica, after living in Manchester.

A statement released by the Foreign Office, their sons said: "Our parents Charlie and Gayle enjoyed a long and happy marriage of 55 years and leave behind their four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

"They were hardworking people, building a business with integrity and making sure we were always provided for.

"Charlie and Gayle were pillars of the community in Manchester and Jamaica, and were hugely popular and loved by many."

Mr and Mrs Anderson were found dead on Friday, according to local media reports. The Foreign Office would not confirm when they were discovered.

The statement added: "They were just beginning the next chapter of their lives, retiring to Jamaica before this terrible tragedy.

We are completely devastated and ask for privacy at this extremely difficult time."

About 200,000 Britons visit Jamaica each year, with many drawn to the luxury resorts and white sandy beaches in Montego Bay, but the surrounding parish has seen a surge in gang-related slayings and violence.

Earlier this year, Jamaica’s tourism minister urged tourists not to be put off visiting the county, despite an ongoing military operation to deal with gang violence in and around Montego Bay.

A state of emergency has been declared in St James Parish, which includes Montego Bay, as well as  in St Catherine North State, focused on Spanish Town, Linstead and Bog Walk.

Last year there were six slayings a week on average in St James Parish. Jamaica Constabulary Force Police Commissioner George Quallo said 335 murders were recorded in St James Parish in 2017, almost double other parishes, with "numerous gangs" operating in the area.

Declaring a state of emergency in the two states “allow[s] the military to support the police in joint security operations in response to recent violence and shooting incidents,” the Foreign Office said.

British holidaymakers have been warned to limit their movements outside of resorts and “exercise caution” at night amid a surge of killings believed to be linked to gangs and lottery scams.