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Husband, 65, and wife, 58, found dead at their Stowmarket property

Detectives are investigating the "unexplained deaths" of a carpenter and his wife after their bodies were discovered at their property.

The couple, who have been named locally as Richard Pitkin, 65, and his 58-year-old wife, Sarah, were found in a house in Stowmarket, Suffolk, just before 2pm on Sunday.

The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained. Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. 

Their bodies were found at the £300,000 property, where they had lived since 2009.

Neighbours said the couple had four children - two of whom lived at home and another two who had moved away to university.

Mr Pitkin ran a carpentry business from the family home while Sarah worked in a nearby charity shop.

A white Vauxhall van was parked outside the property, marked with as belonging to Richard Pitkin & Son Carpenters and Decorators.

The same company name is printed on an extension to the large brick semi-detached property, which has pretty flower beds at the front.

Vases of flowers could also be seen in each of the 11 large cream painted windows which front on to the street.

The couple had turned part of their home into a tea room after moving in, but locals say they closed the business down around two years ago.

On Monday morning, there was very little police presence outside the house, except for a PCSO who could be seen sitting in an unmarked car.

Further down the street are a number of small businesses including a print shop and several hairdressers which line the narrow road which leads into the town centre.

A Suffolk Police spokesman said: "The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and a police investigation into the circumstances is under way."

Rachel Backshall, director of income generation and marketing at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Sarah Pitkin, who was the assistant shop manager in our Stowmarket shop.

Sarah was an energetic character, full of life and joy. She loved the hospice and loved working with the staff and volunteers

Rachel Backshall, director of income generation and marketing at St Elizabeth Hospice

"Sarah was a well-loved member of the team and our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to her family and friends.

"Sarah was an energetic character, full of life and joy. She loved the hospice and loved working with the staff and volunteers.

"She had been with the hospice for four years and made a huge difference during that time. She was imaginative and creative and brought a real sense of fun to the shop.

"She will be sadly missed by us all."