A husband killed his wife of more than 60 years before taking his own life, as they struggled with the impact of her failing health, an inquest has heard.

The bodies of Alexander and Helen Lawrie, both aged 83, were found in the conservatory of their home in Cromer last April.

The couple had been childhood sweethearts and had three sons together.

The inquest heard that Mrs Lawrie's health had been deteriorating in recent years.

She had problems with mobility, speech, eyesight and dementia and needed regular care.

During the police investigation into the deaths, a carer told officers that the couple had said that if something happened to them, they would "go together". 

Eastern Daily Press: The home in The Warren in Cromer where the couple were foundThe home in The Warren in Cromer where the couple were found (Image: Brittany Woodman)

The couple were found by paramedics at about 7.18pm on April 4 last year.

A Home Office post-mortem examination revealed Mrs Lawrie died of head injuries while Mr Lawrie died from leg injuries.

There was no sign of forced entry at their home in The Warren, near Cromer's Happy Valley, or any third-party involvement.

The inquest heard how the couple had met in their teens and married in 1960.

Mrs Lawrie owned hair salons and lectured on hairdressing while Mr Lawrie was a lecturer in electrical engineering before his retirement.

They had been prominent members of the Royal Cromer Golf Club. Mr Lawrie also had a keen interest in cycling and was believed to have run a neighbourhood watch group.

Eastern Daily Press: Police outside the property in The Warren, CromerPolice outside the property in The Warren, Cromer (Image: Brittany Woodman)

The hearing heard that after her health deteriorated, the couple were looking at options to move Mrs Lawrie into a care home or for her to have a live-in carer.

Following the discovery of the couple's death, members of the close-knit local community said the news had "shattered everybody".

Mr and Mrs Lowrie were described as "very friendly" by those that knew them and were said to be "always chatty".  

Detective Inspector Chris Burgess, who led the inquiry, said: “This is an incredibly sad incident and my thoughts are with the family and friends of Helen and Alexander.

"It was clear to me that Helen and Alexander were devoted to each other throughout their marriage and he cared for her fully throughout her deteriorating health.”

Area coroner Yvonne Blake found that Helen Lawrie had been unlawfully killed and Alexander Lawrie had died by suicide.