Police investigating 'unexplained' deaths after spate of murder probes over Christmas

Police launch murder investigations into several Christmas Day and Boxing Day deaths

The bodies of a man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s were discovered at house in the Scottish Borders on Boxing Day (David Cheskin/PA Wire)

Police are investigating what they say are "unexplained" deaths after a man and a woman were found dead at a house in the Scottish Borders.

The bodies of a man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s were discovered at a property in Ladyrig View in the village of Heiton, near Kelson, on Boxing Day.

Forensic officers examined the scene on Wednesday and investigations are continuing.

Police said the "shocking" deaths are currently being treated as unexplained.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, of Police Scotland's major investigation team, said: "I would like to offer my condolences to the families of the man and woman who have sadly died.

"Whilst our inquiries are at an early stage and formal identification is yet to take place, we are satisfied we know who they are and we are providing support to their loved ones.

"Officers and forensic experts will be on site today carrying out a detailed investigation. The deaths are being treated as unexplained at this stage."

Superintendent Jim Royan appealed for anyone with information to contact officers.

He said: "We understand that this is a shocking incident for a small, quiet area of the Borders and we will have a number of our local officers on patrol to provide support to the community as well as the investigation.

"I would like to thank the people of Heiton in advance for their patience and cooperation, and please come and speak to one of the team if you have any information that could assist."

It comes as police launched murder investigations into several deaths which occurred on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

In Warwick, a 29-year-old man was found dead outside a house on Kettlewell Close on Boxing Day. A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody, Warwick Police said.

A woman who was arrested on suspicion of murder after a man's body was found in a house in Barnsley has been released under investigation. South Yorkshire Police were called to the property in Mayfield Crescent, Worsbrough, on Christmas Day, and found the body of 30-year-old Stuart Tollan. The cause of his death has not yet been released.

And Greater Manchester Police said 21-year-old man Mohammed Aftab, who was found dead on Christmas Day in a country lane in Dyehouse Lane in Rochdale, suffered stab wounds and head injuries.