'Couple in their 70s' are found dead inside their £330,000 cul-de-sac home after worried neighbour contacted police

• Emergency services seen at The Woods, Rochdale, throughout the night 
• A 74-year-old man and 75-year-old woman found inside the property 

An elderly man and woman have been found dead inside their home in Rochdale after a worried neighbour contacted police.

Greater Manchester Police officers forced their way into the £330,000 property at The Woods, near Castleton Moor, having responded to the call of concern for the couple’s welfare on Wednesday night.

Once inside, the force were shocked to find a 74-year-old man and 75-year-old woman lying dead in the house. The pair’s loved ones have since been informed.

A huge emergency response was seen on the quiet cul-de-sac, including fire crews, paramedics and officials from gas distribution company Cadent.

The cause of the couple’s death has not yet been confirmed and investigations remain ongoing at the scene, with forensics in white suits pictured entering the detached house throughout the night.

Greater Manchester Police officers found two people dead in a property at The Woods, near Castleton Moor (pictured)

A huge emergency response was seen on the quiet Rochdale cul-de-sac

Forensics in white suits were pictured entering the detached house throughout the night

Following the double tragedy, one stunned resident said: ‘We don’t really know the family but they’re an elderly couple. A really nice couple. It’s just two of them. I just moved here a year ago and it’s really weird to see that on your doorstep.’

Another described the scene as they returned home from work, adding: ‘All I know is that I came home and saw lots of police. I know that a couple live there and I know that they’re elderly. I don’t know what happened but it looks pretty serious.’

A Home Office post mortem will now take place and Greater Manchester Police files will now be passed to the coroner.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: ‘On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at around 2pm, officers were called to a concern for welfare of an elderly man and woman at a property on The Woods, Rochdale.

‘Emergency services attended the scene and sadly, a 74-year-old man and 75-year-old woman were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their loved ones have since been informed.

‘A scene remains in place at the property while officers conduct further enquiries.’

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