British couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in New Zealand
A British couple who emigrated to New Zealand have been found dead at their home in a suspected murder-suicide.
The bodies of Ben and Claire Anderson were discovered by police at a residential property in a Wellington suburb on Monday.
Officers forced their way into the home in Palliser Road around 10:25pm after a concerned family member raised the alarm.
Neighbours in the suburb of Roseneath reported hearing a series of loud bangs that evening, but said they did not sound like gunshots.
Post-mortem examinations on the couple were conducted on Wednesday and the case has been referred to the coroner's office.
The couple, who have four children and are originally from Suffolk, are believed to have been boarding with their landlord, who described them as 'my British lodgers'.
Lead researcher
Mr Anderson is believed to have worked as a scientist for the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) since January this year and had previously been employed as a lead researcher for Southampton University. BRANZ said it was directing all inquiries to police.
New Zealand media said Mrs Anderson was a teacher.
The landlord of the property said the couple were 'passionate about being in New Zealand and giving their family the experience of living here'.
In a statement to the New Zealand Herald newspaper, they said: 'He was a clever, caring, charming man.
'She was vibrant, kind, intelligent and both of them made friends wherever they went. They were both absolutely wonderful human beings. They were both such positive and incredible parents, friends, and members of many communities.
'We send our love and condolences to their whanau [a Maori term for extended family] and friends.'
'Dream neighbours'
Emma Prestidge, a neighbour, described them to Radio New Zealand, the country's public broadcaster, as 'lovely people' and 'dream neighbours'.
Paul Prestidge told the Herald that he met the occupants of the home a few months ago when he moved in, and the homeowner invited him and his wife over for dinner.
The group had shared a welcome dinner and would see each other on the properties' shared walkway from time to time.
He said the couple were 'very friendly people' giving an example of how they'd met a man on a flight and struck up a friendship to the point they invited him over for dinner.
Police have issued an appeal for those with CCTV or dash cam footage to come forward to help with the investigation.
'No ongoing risk'
Det Insp Haley Ryan, from New Zealand Police, said: 'I want to provide assurance that there is no ongoing risk to the Roseneath community.'
The force 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.'
A spokesman for the Foreign Office said:'We have not been approached for consular assistance in this case, but our staff stand ready to support British nationals overseas 24/7.'
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