West Mersea: Murder suspect remains in custody over couple's death

Police are still questioning a man on suspicion of murdering a married couple, who were found dead in their seaside home in Essex.

Stephen Baxter, 61, and Carol Baxter, 64, were found unresponsive by a family member at the property on Victory Road, West Mersea, on 9 April.

They had ingested the synthetic opioid drug fentanyl, tests showed.

Police said on Friday a man and a woman had been released on bail and a second man remained in custody.

They said all three suspects were from Colchester.

Neighbours, meanwhile, described the pair as "amazing" and "lovely" people.

An Essex Police spokesman said the force wanted to hear from anyone with information about the couple's movements on the Easter Bank Holiday weekend from 7 to 9 April, and specifically whether anyone saw or spoke to them.

"We continue to remain open-minded as to how the couple died and we're exploring a number of lines of inquiry," said a police spokesman.

The deaths were initially treated as unexpected but not suspicious, but the force changed direction after an "extensive investigation and toxicology analysis" during a post-mortem examination.

A brief inquest hearing at the coroner's court in Chelmsford on Thursday heard Ms Baxter died from "combined fentanyl and promethazine toxicity with terminal bronchopneumonia".

A cause of death of "cardiomegaly and alcoholic liver disease with fentanyl intoxication" was recorded for Mr Baxter.

The inquest was adjourned pending the ongoing police investigation.

A woman who lived nearby said she was "absolutely devastated" when she heard the news and added: "They were very friendly; very helpful; always there for us.

"Steve, in particular, helped my husband who died of cancer a couple of years ago and he was amazing."

Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC: "Carol and Steve were both lovely people and them being taken away was a shock to all of us because it was unexpected."

The Baxters had been members at nearby West Mersea Yacht Club since 2014 and the club's ensign was lowered to half-mast following their deaths.

Club honorary secretary Tim Wood said: "The club officers, committee and members were saddened to hear of their passing.

"They will be much missed amongst their many friends at the club."

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