Couple and dog found dead in house by their daughter

Steve Jefferies and his wife Christine were found dead at their home in Cardiff on Saturday

A heartbroken daughter discovered her parents dead at their home, along with their cocker spaniel. Steve Jefferies and his wife Christine, had suffered "serious wounds", according to reports, while the dog was also found dead.

The couple's daughter rushed to their house in Cardiff on Saturday after receiving a call from worried neighbours who hadn't seen them. Police were called to the property in Morfa Crescent, a suburb of Trowbridge in the Welsh capital, on the afternoon of October 5.

A rifle was recovered from the property. A dog was also found dead at the address.

In a statement, officers said they are investigating the sudden deaths of the couple and cordons remain in place at the scene. The couple's neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, described them as "wonderful people", "good neighbours and really good friends".

They added that Mr Jefferies was a referee years ago and was always picking up litter in the street. They said: "We knew something was wrong because we all look out for each other in this little block here. We noticed something was strange that the curtains hadn't been opened and that was it. We managed to get hold of their daughter and she came and went in."

According to neighbours, the couple, who were in their 70s, had two grown-up children, a son and a daughter, reports the Mirror. Another local resident described Mr Jefferies and his wife as "a nice, quiet couple who always waved when they drove past me in their van."

The neighbour disclosed that after his days as a referee came to an end, Mr Jefferies had taken up a role with the council as a welder, fixing bus shelters, as reported by The Sun. They also commented: "My son was in the street when the emergency services arrived on Saturday afternoon, he said there were police everywhere but they got stood down when they realised the situation."

In an update today, South Wales Police stated: "South Wales Police is continuing to investigate the sudden deaths of two people at a property in Trowbridge, Cardiff. The bodies of a woman and a man were found in a house in Morfa Crescent, at around 2.50pm on Saturday, October 5."

They continued: "Next of kin are being supported and enquiries are on-going to establish the cause and circumstances of their deaths. Formal identification and post-mortem examinations will take place in due course. The local community is thanked for its patience and understanding while cordons remain in place."