Andrew and Dawn Searle were found dead in their French home, prompting police investigations into potential violent deaths. A former colleague of Mr. Searle refutes claims of a gangland hit, emphasizing his non-hierarchical position and the criminals' focus on organizations rather than individuals. Friends of the couple describe their idyllic life and dismiss suggestions of suicide or financial hardship.
A former colleague of the counter-fraud investigator found dead with his Scots wife at their home in France says he was not killed in a gangland hit. A neighbour found Andrew and Dawn Searle dead in their idyllic home in the remote French village of Les Pesquies on Thursday. Police said that the couple suffered a 'violent death' and that they are pursuing several theories- with a hit by an organised crime group being one of them.
Mr Searle, 62, worked as a counter-fraud specialist at a number of prestigious firms, including Standard Life and Barclays Bank, before the couple retired to the South of France from their home in Edinburgh. Witnesses said that Mr Searle was seen arguing on the phone before his death and had flown into a rage after finding the door of his garage open. A former colleague based in the UK has refuted claims of a revenge hit. Speaking to the Daily Mail, the colleague - who asked to remain anonymous - said: 'There is no way he could have been the target of a gangland hit. 'He was senior but not hierarchical. The bad guys just see the organisations declining them and try new routes or try to learn how to circumnavigate. 'Criminals just see the organisation, not the individuals in the teams or running the teams. They'd have a full-time job following through on vendettas.' He added that everyone who had known Andrew were stunned after his death, adding that he was a 'really nice guy'. It comes after pals of the couple said they had been living a 'happy' and 'comfortable' life in the rural countryside north of Toulouse. Two British couples, close friends of the Searles, were last night keen to put down the suggestion of suicide. The Brit expats, who are in their late 60s and live in a nearby village, said: 'Us Brits, who knew Dawn and Andy very well, are certain this is not a murder-suicide. 'We saw them last at Christmas, they were absolutely normal. Life was good, why would they want to kill themselves?' The neighbour who discovered the couple last night said Dawn appeared to have been beaten to death and Andrew was found hanged. Questions about the pair's possible financial difficulties also emerged yesterday. Local sources said it had taken him over a year to settle a bill of several thousands euros, and was spotted looking tearful in December amid issues with his UK pension. But the British couples, who were great friends with the couple and attended their wedding, dismissed suggestions they were hard up. They added: 'They weren't flashy by any means, but they were definitely comfortable and had it good out here. They were always travelling - they recently went to a family wedding in Goa, they went to South America for their honeymoon. 'Dawn's son Callum had a baby and Dawn went over there for that. And had just come back from Scotland because her dad’s funeral was at the end of January. They were also still working - Dawn was a project manager and Andy still did some freelance work. “ they have a gite connected to the main house which they rented out and it was occupied most of the time which gave them a good income on the side.' The couple married in 2023, with Dawn's son Callum, a former Hollyoaks actor, walking her down the aisle.
Crime France Murder GANGLAND Hit Scotland Suicide Financial Difficulties
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
French Village Shaken by Death of British Couple in Remote FarmhouseA British couple, Andrew and Dawn Searle, were found dead in their remote French home under mysterious circumstances. While police are investigating all possibilities, including burglary and murder-suicide, the couple's violent deaths have left the small French village of Les Pesquies reeling.
Read more »
British Couple Found Dead in 'Isolated' French VillaA British couple in their sixties, Andrew and Dawn Searle, were found dead in their secluded villa in France. While initially suspected to be a burglary gone wrong, investigators are now considering a murder-suicide scenario. Dawn Searle was found naked outside the house with jewelry scattered around her, and Andrew Searle may have been tortured before his death. The deaths have shocked the local community, and authorities are pursuing a theory that the couple was targeted by criminals from the UK due to Andrew Searle's past work in fighting organized crime and terrorism.
Read more »
Scottish Couple Found Dead in France, Police Suspect Murder by UK CriminalsA Scottish couple, Dawn and Andrew Searle, were found dead in their French home, prompting an investigation by French police. The couple emigrated from Musselburgh in Scotland to Les Pesquies, near Toulouse, France. French authorities fear the deaths may be the result of a homicide committed by criminals from the United Kingdom. The couple's family is devastated and is traveling to France to be with their loved ones. Andrew had a career in financial crime assurance, working with police and the Serious Fraud Office against organized crime, potentially drawing him into contact with dangerous individuals.
Read more »
Scottish Woman and Organized Crime Investigator Husband Found Dead in FranceA British couple, Dawn Searle and Andrew Searle, have been found dead in their French home, prompting a homicide investigation. French authorities suspect the couple may have been murdered by criminals from the UK, possibly linked to Andrew's past work as an organized crime investigator.
Read more »
British Couple Found Dead in Rural FranceA British man and woman were found dead in a rural area of southwest France, sparking a homicide investigation. French media identified the couple as Dawn and Andrew Searle. Ms. Searle's body was discovered outside their home, while Mr. Searle's body was found hanged inside. Authorities are exploring various theories, including a possible burglary.
Read more »
British couple found dead inside 'isolated' French villa in 'feared burglary gone wrong'A British couple have been found dead in their isolated villa in southwestern France in a feared “burglary gone wrong”, reports claim.
Read more »