Police are investigating a suspected murder and suicide after the bodies of an elderly couple were found at a remote Sussex cottage.

They were found by their daughter shortly after midday yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the farm at Hawkhurst Common, East Hoathly, near Hailsham, and police launched an investigation.

Inquiries were continuing today but a Sussex Police spokesman said: "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths."

A Home Office pathologist was carrying out a post mortem today.

The dead couple, a 72-year-old man and his 73-year-old wife, were found in separate rooms at their cottage.

Police are investigating the theory that the man may have shot himself after his wife was killed.

Detectives are not releasing their identities until relatives have been told.

Their daughter ran to a neighbour, who dialled 999. Later she was said to be in a state of shock.