THE family of a Tidworth civil servant found shot dead with his partner at his Devizes home have paid tribute to a “much loved father and grandfather”.

Bill Dowling and his partner, who has now been formally identified as 58-year-old Victoria Rose from Devizes, were found dead at Mr Dowling's home at the Moonrakers estate just before 11am on Saturday.

A statement from Mr Dowling's family said: “As a family we are trying to come to terms with the loss of a much-loved father and grandfather. During the last three weeks Bill's emotional and mental wellbeing have been in sharp decline and we are shocked and saddened by recent events.

“We are thinking of Vicky's family. We ask that you respect our privacy at this tragic time.”

A statement from Ms Rose's family said: “Words cannot describe how the family are feeling with this loss for such a caring person and for anyone that knew her or had any contact with her would know how she was always willing to help and chat to anyone.

“We have been so overwhelmed with messages of support in such a difficult time and we know how shocked people must be in hearing this sad news and still it doesn't seem quite real.”

Mr Dowling, 59, was a former Wiltshire Police inspector and since retiring he had been working at 43 (Wessex) Brigade based at Tidworth for five years.

Wiltshire Police do not believe anyone else was involved with the deaths but anyone with information can contact them on 101.