Investigations are continuing today into the double tragedy in a quiet Norfolk village in which a man appears to have shot his wife dead before killing himself.
Stephen Muncaster, 47, was found in the front garden of a bungalow in Magdalen, near King's Lynn, in the early hours of yesterday, while his partner Allison, 48, was discovered inside the home. Det Supt Paul Durham, of Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said: ''We are continuing our investigation today and are beginning to obtain a good understanding of what happened during that tragic evening.'He added: 'We continue to collate information regarding the incident and once this process is complete, we will prepare a file for the Coroner.'Police confirmed a Home Office Post Mortem will take place tomorrow morning where a cause of death should be confirmed as well as formal identification of the bodies. A seal will remain in place in Stow Road and at the bungalow to allow officers to continue with their enquiries into the horrific apparent murder-suicide.
Local people have been describing their shock at the tragedy which has rocked their quiet village.
Mr Muncaster is the uncle of Michael Carroll, the Norfolk man who won £9.7 million on the Lottery in 2002.
Mr jackpot winner was living with Mr Muncaster and his ex-wife Kelly at the Magdalen home at the time.
Mr Carroll said it was 'sad news', but that he had not spoken to his uncle since 2005.
Mr Muncaster's body was found in the front garden of a bungalow, while his wife, Allison Muncaster, 48, was discovered inside the home.
Neighbours described hearing shouting and a gun shot on the night of the double tragedy.
Detectives are looking at the background of both people to see what led to their deaths.
The main line of inquiry is believed to be that Mr Muncaster killed his wife and then shot himself dead. The post mortem will confirm whether they both died as a result of the gunshot wounds.
Officers had responded to a call from the East of England Ambulance Service concerning the safety of two people just after midnight.
Sandra Squire, whose West Norfolk Council ward, Wimbotsham with Fincham, borders Magdalen, saw the cordoned-off area in Stow Road when she dropped off her children at nearby Magdalen Village School.
Mrs Squire said: 'Magdalen is a tiny village, most people don't even know it exists. It's a close-knit community so we are completely stunned. It's horrendous.
'It is so shocking in a really tiny village and a tight-knit community. It's going to take a while for everyone to get over this.'
South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss said: 'This is extremely shocking and my thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those involved.
'Obviously the investigation is ongoing and I know the police are out in the community speaking to local residents about what has taken place.
'I have asked the chief constable to keep me updated on developments.'
West Norfolk borough councillor for Magdalen, Marcus Hopkins, headed straight to the village when he heard the news.
'I'm shocked,' he said.
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