Herefordshire coroners have announced the date for a full inquest into the deaths of John and Elizabeth Knott, who were found dead with gun-shot wounds, at their home near Bosbury.

The inquest date for Mr and Mrs Knott, who was also known as Anne, will take place on Wednesday April 8, at 10am in the Town Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford.

The deaths of the couple, in August last year, each from a single gunshot wound, left the Bosbury community in shock; and the incident led to speculation that it was down to an apparent murder-suicide or suicide pact.

John Knott, aged 71 and his 70-year-old wife Elizabeth, known as Anne, died last summer at their home in Pow Green, between Bosbury and Cradley.

They had not been seen Saturday, August 9, and their bodies were discovered on Monday, August 11, after relatives became concerned.

Police recovered a shotgun, which belonged to Mr Knott, from the scene.

It was reported at the time that Mrs Knott was suffering from Alzheimer’s and had been quite ill.

Neighbours described the Knotts as a very devoted couple, and Bosbury Church stayed open all hours for several weeks, for prayers and the lighting of candles.

The Knotts had moved into their 300-year-old Forge Cottage from Droitwich.

Mr Knott had been a keen member of the Bosbury Parish Hall Committee, before his wife became ill.

Mr Knott, who was a retired director of a Birmingham construction company, had also been fighting a planning application for a gypsy settlement near his home.