Families of man and woman in Devizes shooting tell of their grief (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Former police officer's mental wellbeing had been in sharp decline, say family

2:15pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News

The familes of shooting victim Vicky Rose and Bill Dowling have spoken of their grief.

Formal identification of 58-year-old Ms Rose, from Devizes, was completed this afternoon.

The bodies of her and her partner Mr Dowling were discovered at his house in Moonrakers, off London Road, Devizes, at 11am on Saturday.

Neighbours had heard arguing and a scream before hearing two loud bangs.

Police recovered a shotgun that had been fired twice from the house.

Ms Rose's family said: "Vicky was sadly taken away from us on Saturday.

"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'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 Vicki's family.”