MYSTERY surrounds the discovery of an elderly couple found dead in their home shortly before the town’s New Year celebrations began.
The tragic deaths of the pair have left a tight-knit Macclesfield community heartbroken and police have now handed a file on the case to the coroner for further investigation.
Much-loved pensioners, James "Brian" Smith, 75, and Brenda Smith, 71, were found dead at their Hurdsfield Road home at 12.09pm on Sunday, December 30.
An inquest has been formally opened and adjourned. The cause of death for Mrs Smith has been given as mechanical asphyxia. The coroner is currently awaiting the results of toxicology tests carried out on Mr Smith.
Police are keeping tight-lipped about the events surrounding the deaths but have stated there are "no suspicious circumstances". Floral tributes have been laid on the doorstep of the married couple’s terraced cottage since the deaths which have left Hurdsfield residents in shock.
In one of the moving tributes, mourners Ryan, Becky and family wrote: "To a wonderful, friendly, kindly couple. Will miss your friendly polite chats. Sorry you have gone."
Well-wishers Laura and George paid their last respects in writing: "A wonderful couple. RIP. You will be missed," and an anonymous tribute simply said: "Rest in peace Brenda and Brian, all our love."
The landlord of the Three Crowns in Higher Hurdsfield, Richard Bowden, said: "They didn’t drink in any of the pubs round here and were quite reclusive.
"People I’ve spoken to who have lived here all their lives say they knew them but didn’t know anything about them."
One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "They were a quiet couple who kept themselves to themselves."
A spokeswoman for Cheshire Coroner, Nicholas Rheinberg, said that an inquest into the deaths was opened and adjourned yesterday (Tuesday).
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "There are no suspicious circumstances and a file has been prepared for the coroner."
