‘Lovely’ farmer Richard Harrison, 59, and wife Rachel, 54, died from gunshot wounds – as neighbours pay tribute

TRIBUTES are pouring in for a “lovely” farmer and his wife after they died from gunshot wounds.

Richard and Rachel Harrison, 59 and 54, were tragically found dead on Friday morning in Saddington, Leicestershire.

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Cops are continuing to probe the couple’s deaths but confirmed they were not looking for anyone else.

Neighbours have now told of their “shock and sadness” after hearing of the horror that unfolded nearby, and said the pair were well-known in their community.

One local said: “They were a lovely and decent couple and our hearts go out to their family.

“It is a terrible thing to happen, really shocking, and has upset so many of us at a time when we should all be looking forward to celebrating Christmas with loved ones.”

One member of the parish council, who asked not to be named, said Richard and Rachel were very much respected and that their deaths had rocked the farming town.

They added: “I know of them, they ran the local farm and they were liked and well respected by many.

“I think the whole village is quite devastated by it all.

“It’s a quiet village, but most people know each other and, although he kept himself to himself, he went down to the village pub quite often. 

“It’s the worst thing to happen here in living memory, I think.”

Another local said the tragedy hit harder as it’s approaching the festive period.

They said: “Everyone around here knew them and we are very shocked and saddened, especially just days before Christmas.

“It is a very small village, around 300 residents only, and we are close-knit so this tragedy has affected us all.”

The couple were understood to have two children together, while Richard had three kids from a previous marriage.

Emergency services were raced to the cattle-based Sunnydale Farm around 11.30am on Friday.

Richard and Rachel were pronounced dead at the scene and a post mortem confirmed they had died from gunshot wounds.

Detective Inspector David Greenhalgh said: “This is a deeply tragic incident.

“Officers are continuing to support the family during this extremely difficult time.

“We will continue to carry out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

“But I can confirm we do not believe anyone else was involved in the incident.

“A file will be prepared for HM Coroner.”