Found side by side, elderly couple electrocuted by their mower

An elderly couple died side by side in a freak lawnmower accident.

Albert Banks is thought to have been electrocuted when he ran his machine over its power cable while cutting wet grass.

His wife Beatrice came to his aid only to receive a fatal electric shock when she touched him.

Their son found their bodies lying together in the back garden when he called at their home.

He had grown concerned after his parents failed to answer telephone calls.

Officers arrived to find the lawnmower's power was still on and rescue workers had to cut off the supply before trying to revive the couple who were both 87.

Police suspect the accident may have happened the evening before the bodies were found.

Both the couple's children, who were at their parents' house, were said to be too upset to comment.

A friend said: "You cannot imagine how distressed they were. It is heartbreaking.

"The Bankses were a very devoted couple who moved to this street when he retired from business.

"They always said 'good morning' when they were out in the garden and were lovely neighbours.

"I know it's not much of a comfort but people are saying that at least they died together."

Neighbours described Mr and Mrs Banks as kind and helpful.

Sean Condon, who lives next door, said: "It is too sad for words. They were lovely neighbours and always together, they loved doing the garden together.

"Whenever the sun was shining they would be out there making sure the garden looked lovely."

Another neighbour said: "They were out in the garden at about 11am when it all happened.

"It had been raining in the morning but then she sun came out. It looks like something went wrong with the lawnmower and Mr Banks had a shock.

"It seems that his wife went to help but she has also died."

The couple, who were married for 66 years, moved to their £500,000 bungalow in Cyncoed, Cardiff, in 1983. It is understood that neither was in good health.

Their neighbour, Peter Collier, a retired university lecturer, said: "They were very kind people.

"We often saw them taking a dog for a walk. But Mrs Banks has had heart trouble recently and has been on medication.

"Mr Banks was fit enough to do the garden at the back. Their front drive is paved but they loved their back garden.

"I'm absolutely devastated by the tragedy. It is awful that they should have died this way."

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We attended to find that the couple appeared to have been electrocuted.

"The man had been mowing the lawn and may have cut the cable and his wife then touched his chest and also received an electric shock."

South Wales Police are compiling a report for the coroner.

A spokesman said: "The deaths are not being treated as suspicious. A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out."

Officers would not comment on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.