France: British Couple Deaths, Post-Mortem Reveals Head Injuries, Hanging

Police are investigating the deaths of a British couple. It happened at their home in rural France. They released post-mortem exam details. Dawn Searle, 56, had head injuries. They found her at their property in Les Pesquies. Andrew Searle, 62, was found hanged. He had no visible defensive injuries.

Detectives explore two possibilities: Was it a murder-suicide, or was someone else involved? A German friend found the couple. He lives nearby and discovered them on Thursday after Andrew didn’t show for their dog walk.

The couple moved to Les Pesquies about ten years ago and married in Villefranche-de-Rouergue in 2023. That town is in southern France. Each had two kids from prior relationships. Dawn’s son is Callum Kerr, a musician and former Hollyoaks actor. He said they are mourning.

Family members traveled to France and spoke with the investigators there. Jean-Sebastien Orcibal, Villefranche’s mayor and a neighbor to the Searles, said help will be available. Villagers and British expats need support as the incident shocked the community.