Devon & Cornwall Police have launched an investigation after a woman was found dead at a home on Shirburn Road in Torquay, Devon. Officers say her death is being investigated in connection with the discovery of a 42-year-old man found dead in Hythe, Hampshire, earlier the same day.
Emergency services were called to the Shirburn Road address in the Hele area just before 16:00 GMT on Saturday 31 January 2026 after concerns were raised for the welfare of a woman. Inside, officers located a woman in her 70s who was later pronounced dead; her death is being treated as unexplained.
Hampshire Constabulary had attended a property in Hythe at about 14:44–14:45 GMT on the same day and found the man deceased. Hampshire police said his death is not currently being treated as suspicious. Devon & Cornwall Police say the two people are believed to have been known to each other and are working with Hampshire Constabulary as inquiries continue. The two addresses are roughly 130–150 miles apart (often reported as about 150 miles).
Devon & Cornwall Police have said they are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with these deaths. Scene guards and forensic teams have been in place at the Torquay address over the weekend while officers carry out enquiries and speak with local residents.
Police are appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity on Shirburn Road between Friday 30 January and Saturday 31 January to come forward, particularly if they have doorbell-camera footage, dashcam footage or other CCTV. Members of the public can contact Devon & Cornwall Police via 101 or online, quoting log number 558 of 31 January.
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