Couple 'met for first time to die together'

The bodies of Stephen Lumb, 35, from Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax, and Joanne Lee, 34, from Great Notley, near Braintree, Essex, were found in a car parked near an industrial estate in Essex on Monday morning.

Investigations are still at an early stage but the Yorkshire Post understands they contacted each other over the internet and had been in correspondence prior to their death but had apparently never met.

It is believed they came face-to-face for the first time to carry out their suicide pact.

The bodies of Mr Lumb, a trucker, and Ms Lee were found in the Vauxhall Astra parked at the Braintree Enterprise Centre at 8.20am on Monday.

Computer-printed notes had been placed on the windows warning of toxic chemicals inside and telling passers-by not to open the doors.

Essex Police, which has described the deaths as unusual, confirmed "noxious" substances had been found inside after tests at a secure compound.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it is thought the chemical involved is hydrogen sulphide, a highly poisonous gas. Firefighters had to wear gas-tight suits to remove the couple.

In a statement Essex Police said: "On finding the car there were concerns surrounding the use of chemical substances, indicated by signs outside the car and chemical paraphernalia on show inside.

"The deaths are being treated as unexplained at this stage and investigations are continuing into the circumstances leading up to their discovery."

Last night, Mr Lumb's father Melvyn, who shared a home with him in Charles Street, said he was too upset to talk and added: "It's just a shock".