Farmer, 59, and wife, 54, found dead with gunshot wounds as police launch probe

20 December 2023 , 08:56

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Farmer Richard Harrison was found dead in his home with his wife (Image: Facebook)

Tributes have been paid to a “lovely” farmer and his wife found shot dead at their home, as police begin investigations.

Officers from Leicestershire Police were called to the home Smeeton Road, Saddington, at around 11.30am on Friday, December 15, by paramedics from the East Midlands Ambulance Service following reports the remains of a man and a woman had been discovered. Police have now named them as 59-year-old Richard Harrison and his wife, 54-year-old Rachel Harrison.

A post-mortem examination carried out confirmed both died from gunshot injuries. Investigating detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection to their deaths. Meanwhile, shocked neighbours have paid tribute to the much-loved couple.

One told the Sun: “They were a lovely and decent couple and our hearts go out to their family. "It is a terrible thing to happen, really shocking, and has upset so many of us at a time when we should all be looking forward to celebrating Christmas with loved ones."

One friend said the couple had "seemed so together", commenting "I am finding it all very shocking and hope their family are getting all the support they need." Another added their deaths were the “worst thing” to have ever happened in the village, which has around 300 residents.

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Rachel Harrison was also found with gunshot wounds (Facebook)

The couple are believed to have had two children together. Mr Harrison is also survived by three children from a previous marriage. The couple ran a cattle farm and delivered eggs locally , while Mrs Harrison was also the district commissioner of her local branch of the Pony Club.

Detective Inspector David Greenhalgh, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit major crime team, said: “This is a deeply tragic incident and officers are continuing to support the family during this extremely difficult time.

“We will continue to carry out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident, but I can confirm we do not believe anyone else was involved in the incident and a file will be prepared for H.M. Coroner.”

Antony Clements-Thrower