Andrew and Dawn Searle, both in their 60s, were tragically found dead at their home in Les Pesquies, a village in the south-west of France. Authorities are investigating the cause of their deaths, but many details remain unclear. The couple had lived in the region for about a decade after moving from the UK.
Discovery of the Bodies On Thursday, February 6, 2025, at approximately 12:20 pm, the couple's bodies were discovered by a neighbour at their home. Mrs. Searle was found outside the property with a serious head injury, with jewellery scattered around her. The neighbour immediately called the police, who conducted a search of the property and found Mr. Searle's body inside the house.
Authorities dispatched a helicopter, drone, criminal investigation technicians, and a forensic doctor to the scene to assist in the investigation.
CCTV and Final Sightings The evening before the couple's bodies were discovered, CCTV footage from a tobacconist shop in Villefranche-de-Rouergue captured Mr. Searle around 5:50 pm. He purchased a bar of chocolate and two lottery tickets before returning to his car, where his wife was waiting. In the footage, Mr. Searle was wearing a tracking device for their two hunting dogs, which have since been taken by police for DNA testing. The shopkeeper recalled that the couple were regular customers, and said Mr. Searle "seemed perfectly happy" during the visit.
Mr. Searle, a former fraud investigator originally from Sussex, and Mrs. Searle, a project manager from Eyemouth in Scotland, had four children between them. Their son, actor Callum Kerr, shared a statement on behalf of the family: "At this time, Callum Kerr and Amanda Kerr are grieving the loss of their mother, Dawn Searle (née Smith, Kerr), while Tom Searle and Ella Searle are mourning the loss of their father, Andrew Searle."
Callum Kerr's Tribute Kerr, known for his role as PC George Kiss in Hollyoaks, posted an emotional tribute to his mother on Instagram in 2023, recalling the moment he walked her down the aisle for her wedding to Mr. Searle. "Not many people can say they walked their own mother down the aisle. What a pleasure! I love you mum," he wrote.
Actor Callum Kerr, known for his role in Hollyoaks, said he is 'mourning the loss' of his mother, Dawn Searle, who was found dead at her home in France. (Channel 4) (Lime Pictures)
The Investigation While the cause of their deaths remains unclear, authorities are conducting post-mortem examinations, which are expected to be completed soon. The French prosecutor's office has opened an investigation, but it has been reported that no knives or signs of forced entry were found, leading to questions about the circumstances.
Mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Jean-Sebastien Orcibal, initially suggested that the deaths were “clearly a homicide,” though he also stated that no weapon had been discovered. Public prosecutor Nicolas Rigot-Muller has since clarified that the couple died violent deaths, but it has not been confirmed whether this was a homicide, as "all hypotheses remain open."
Neighbours have described the Searles as a friendly couple who often walked their dogs and hosted summer barbecues for other residents. Investigators are looking into Mr. Searle's previous work in financial crime prevention at companies like Standard Life and Barclays Bank, wondering if he may have been targeted by criminals.
villefranche-de-rouergue - France
Possible Clues Reports suggest that Mr. Searle was involved in a phone argument while walking his dogs on the day before the couple’s deaths. He was also reportedly concerned after discovering that his garage door had been left open recently.
Family's Heartbreak Mr. Searle’s father, Fred Searle, 88, from Littlehampton, West Sussex, told the Sunday Times: "We've got thousands of questions and very few answers." The family continues to await clarity about the tragic deaths of Andrew and Dawn Searle.
Ongoing Support A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed that they are supporting the family and working closely with French authorities. The investigation into the deaths of the Searles remains ongoing.
