Detectives probe murder-suicide as Suffolk couple found dead in New Zealand

A former Laxfield couple, who emigrated to New Zealand, have been found dead in an incident that police are treating as a murder-suicide investigation.

Wellington Police were alerted to a property in the suburb of Roseneath on March 31, after a worried family member asked police to visit the home to carry out a welfare check.

Officers attended the home and found two people – thought to be in their 50s – dead at the scene.

The pair, who have adult children in the country, have been named locally as Ben and Claire Anderson

Mr Anderson was a principal research scientist for Branz, an affordable and sustainable building firm, having started with the company in January last year.

Mrs Anderson, who was believed to have had a career in teaching, was moving between the UK and New Zealand, prior to settling in Wellington in December.

Emma Prestidge, a neighbour of the couple, told Radio New Zealand: “My understanding is they had finally packed up their lives in London, and all their stuff was in a shipping container and they were looking to move here for good.

“They were in the next phase of their life, I guess, and ready to set themselves up for the rest of their lives, which is truly sad.”

Detective Inspector Haley Ryan, of Wellington Police, said that officers had to force entry into the property.

She confirmed the force was not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

An appeal had been launched for information to help with police inquiries, including residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area at the time of the incident.

New Zealand Police said in a statement: “Police are providing support to the family at the centre of this tragic event.

“The family have requested privacy as they grieve their loss.”

Post-mortem examinations of the pair were carried out on April 3 and the case has now been referred to the coroner.

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