DETECTIVES are treating the suspicious deaths of a married couple at their home as a murder investigation.

The bodies of the couple, both in their 70s, were discovered by a member of the family at an address in Abbey Street, Faversham, at around 8.45am today.

Police cordoned the area around the scene and an incident room has been set up at Faversham Police Station.

Forensic officers and scene of crime officers are currently at the house as part of the investigation.

A Home Office pathologist, together with other experts, will be attending the scene later today.

Detectives urgently want anyone with any information about anyone or anything suspicious in the Abbey Street area to contact Kent Police on 01622 690 690.Alternatively anyone with any information can contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The couple owned a purple Diahatsu Sirion five door saloon which was found burnt out in a lane off the Bysingwood Road area of Faversham at around 6pm on Monday.

Det Chief Inspector Dean Barnes said: “We are following a number of lines of enquiry but we are urgently appealing for help from anyone who may have seen the couple anytime from 6am on Saturday, 21 January onwards around their home at 17 Abbey Street.

“We also want anyone who may have any information about their car, a purple Diahatsu Sirion, registration GK54 XJM, to contact officers."

Residents of Abbey Street are being allowed access to and from their homes but Kent Police appreciates their cooperation during this time while investigations are continuing at the house.