The grieving family and friends of a retired couple at the centre of a double death mystery packed a church for their funerals.

Well-respected Martin and Joan Lawrie were found dead in mysterious circumstances on St Valentine's Day at their home in Church View, Freeland.

Police said at the time that they believed Mrs Lawrie was killed by Mr Lawrie, who then took his own life.

The identical coffins were covered with sprays of white and yellow flowers.

The service at Witney's Methodist Church was taken by the Rev John Curnow and the Minster for Freeland, the Rev David Freeland.

Leading the family mourners were the Lawries' daughter Susan, her husband Stuart Turley, son John, his wife Gwen, and grandchildren Sarah, Daniel, Callum and Ryan.

Mr Turley told the congregation: "We are truly grateful for the support we have received locally, from our own friends and also from the police, who have been extremely considerate of our needs.

"It is not easy to find words in this tragic situation. We can only speak of Joan and Martin in the terms we knew them. They were loving, dedicated, encouraging grandparents, with a real sense of fun, always available and always supportive. "The messages we have received show that all those they had contact with knew all of these things about them."

Mr Freeland told mourners the service was one of thanksgiving and celebration for the life of the couple. An answer to what triggered the tragedy may never be found.

During the service, members of Freeland Methodist Church read two of the lessons and other appreciations were given by family friends.

The body of Mr Lawrie, 71, was spotted by a neighbour on the garden patio of the couple's house.

When paramedics arrived and saw the extent of his injuries they called the police.

Inside the house police officers found former Freeland Primary School teacher Mrs Lawrie, 69, with severe head and neck injuries.

Police believe two days could have elapsed before the bodies of the couple were found.

The couple were both staunch members of Freeland's Methodist Church and had attended a prayer meeting the Thursday before they died.

Police investigations are continuing and an inquest is expected to be held in about six months time.

Story date: Saturday 27 February

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