Family ‘devastated’ as couple are found dead in Port Seton

NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after the unexplained death of a happily married couple.

The couple, named locally as Patricia and David Barraclough, were found dead in their home in Port Seton, East Lothian, on Friday afternoon.

It is understood police were called to the town’s Inglis Avenue at around 3.45pm after their grown-up son, David, found their bodies.

He was said to be devastated at the tragic discovery.

Last night locals paid tribute to a quiet, unassuming couple who “kept themselves to themselves”.

One said the entire community has been left reeling by the tragic event.

She said: “The son was in the house on Friday and came out looking really distressed. He was the one who found them.

“They were quite a quiet couple but they were really nice – we got on really quite well with them.

“We knew them as Trish and Dave.

“It’s very sad.”

Another added: “It’s shocking news to hear and must be terrible for the family.

“There were ambulances and police cars outside the house late on Friday, but the police have not divulged anything.”

It is understood Patricia, 52, and David, 55, also had a grown-up daughter, called Donna, as well as grandchildren.

They had previously lived in Dunbar before moving to Port Seton in 2000.

Locals say Patricia acted as full-time carer for her husband, who was disabled.

Another neighbour said: “I heard that the son raised the alarm. It must have been absolutely awful for him.

“Everyone is absolutely shocked at what’s happened.

“It’s just so tragic.”

Their house was sealed off on Friday as forensic officers investigated the scene.

Several officers in white overalls were pictured entering and leaving the property while a uniformed policewoman stood guard at the door.

However, it is understood police are not treating the deaths as suspicious.

A source close to the couple’s extended family said they had been left “devastated”.

She added: “I was traumatised when I heard the news at 11pm on Friday.

“It’s so sad.

“It really is a shame. But we don’t know anything about the circumstances yet.

“I say a little prayer when I think of them. They loved each other.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said inquiries into the couple’s deaths were ongoing – with the incident treated as “unexplained”.

He said: “Police in East Lothian are investigating following the death of a 55-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman at an address in Inglis Avenue, Port Seton.

“Inquiries are ongoing. Both deaths are being treated as unexplained at this time. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”