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Shocked neighbours of a married couple who were found dead in their own home on Boxing Day have paid tribute to the “friendly” pensioners.
Police were called to the West Lothian home of Mary and Denis Fell shortly before midnight on December 26 following reports of a sudden death.
Officers forced entry to the property in Raeburn Rigg, Livingston, before making the grim discovery inside.
The pensioners, both aged 73, were pronounced dead at the scene however a major probe into the circumstances surrounding their deaths remains ongoing.
Police Scotland have confirmed that a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection but added that enquiries remain at an early stage.
It is understood Mary suffered from mobility problems and Denis would help care for her.
One neighbour told how the couple were well known in the street having lived at the home for more than 16 years.
He said: “They’ve lived here a really long time and everyone knows them. They’d always say hello if you were passing and were very friendly.
“They have two grown up children and you’d see their son and his kids popping in for a visit on occasion.
“I came home at around 1.30am and the street was just filled with police. I knew something bad had happened but I’d never have imagined it was something like this.”
Another said: “They were a lovely older couple who really kept themselves to themselves over the last couple of years during the pandemic.
“I’d seen him pushing her in a wheelchair a few times and they have a disabled parking spot right outside their house to make it easier for Mary to get out and about.
“It’s really tragic, especially at this time of year. Our thoughts are with all their friends and family who must just be absolutely devastated.”
A third added: “Mary and Denis have lived here for as long as I can remember. He is always such a friendly man who’ll chat to you and he looks after his wife.
“They were really good neighbours and everyone in the street is just so shocked that they’ve died.”
Dr Robert De Bold, an SNP Councillor for Livingston North, added: “I live in Raeburn Rigg with my family and I am shocked to learn of this incident as are my neighbours.
“I am not yet aware of the full details of this tragedy other than the media reports. I will be liaising with Council officers and the police as soon as possible.
“My thoughts and sympathies are with the bereaved at this time.”
A heavy police presence remained at the scene throughout the day on Monday with a forensics tent covering the front door of the family home.
CID officers were seen carrying out door-to-door enquiries and gathering CCTV from private security cameras in the area.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers were made aware around 11.40pm on Sunday, 26 December, of a report of a sudden death in the Raeburn Rigg area of Livingston.
“A man and a woman were found dead inside a property.
“A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and are at an early stage.”
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