Elderly couple stabbed to death

Police launched a double murder inquiry today after the bodies of an elderly couple were found in their home.

The popular couple in their eighties, described as "ill and quite frail", were discovered in their house yesterday in Strensall, near York.

Detectives today issued an urgent appeal for information as shocked neighbours paid tribute to the couple.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Someone has taken the lives of a frail lady and gentleman in their eighties.

"It is imperative that this person or persons are brought to justice as quickly as possible."

The couple living at the £400,000 house are registered as James and Joan Britton.

Neighbour Raymond Jackson said he believed the couple had been stabbed.
He said: "It's just so much of a shock for everyone round here.

"I've known them both since they moved in more than 20 years ago and they were just a wonderful couple.

"They were both ill and quite frail and in their eighties but they would both still help anybody if they could.

"They were virtually housebound and people had to come in and help them. It's just so terrible."

Mr Jackson said Mr Britton was once the chairman of the local neighbourhood watch group but he did not know what he did before he retired.

Another neighbour, Steve Richmond, said: "They were a very nice couple. I didn't know them very well but I understand they were both quite ill. It is shocking."