Police probe North Norfolk Council leader and wife shotgun death

Detectives are investigating the personal lives of a council leader and his wife found shot dead outside their home.

Norfolk Police believe North Norfolk District Council leader Keith Johnson, 58, killed his wife Andrea, 44, with a shotgun before taking his own life.

They are investigating possible motives, including aspects of both of their personal lives.

Some witnesses say they saw Mr Johnson looking depressed the day before the shootings.

The family of Mrs Johnson, formerly Chadwick, issued a statement saying: "We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter Andrea, she was a wonderful daughter, aunt and sister.

"She was so bubbly and full of life, she adored her family and has been tragically taken from us. She will be very sorely missed."

It is understood Mr Johnson's family will not be issuing any tribute.

The force this morning published the results of a post-mortem examination showing that both died of gunshot wounds.

The couple were found dead outside their bungalow in Norfolk at 2.50pm on Sunday. Police were called to the property in Compit Hills, Roughton, near Cromer, after reports of gunshots.

A police spokesman said: "Local neighbourhood officers and police community support officers also remain at the scene and will be working with the major investigations team over the coming days to support and reassure their families and the wider community affected by these tragic events."

Neighbours and colleagues of Mr Johnson have spoken of their shock and disbelief.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Guy said it appeared as though Mr Johnson had used one of four shotguns owned and registered to his wife in the attack.

The couple did not have children but Mr Johnson had a family from a previous marriage. They had been together for 18 years and married in 2004.

Mr Johnson was also a former Cromer mayor, a long-serving member of both the district and town council and a football referee.

He was elected as council leader earlier this year and had helped organise the town's Christmas market, launched at the weekend as part of a series of festive events.

He was seen attending civic events on Friday.

Mrs Johnson worked in customer services at Homebase in the town.

PA