Man aged 80 arrested on suspicion of murdering wife

The woman, named locally as Eileen Callaghan, was found dead at the couple’s home in Ivy Bank Lane on Sunday morning.

Neighbours said the couple had lived there for more than 40 years and were well known and liked in the neighbourhood.

Mrs Callaghan’s husband, Clement, was found unconscious on Saturday evening at the wheel of his car in Keighley Road at Colne, Lancashire, which is a 17-mile drive from their Ivy Bank Lane home.

Mr Callaghan was taken to hospital where his condition yesterday was described as serious but stable.

A post-mortem examination has taken place but the cause of Mrs Callaghan’s death is still to be established.

Neighbours said the couple, who did not have any children, had lived in the house since the 1960s, or earlier, and had doted on their two Shetland sheepdogs. The dogs were found safe and well.

One neighbour, who is in his 50s, said: “They are a nice couple who looked upon their two dogs as their kids.

“This is a quiet street and we are all in shock.

“It is an old-fashioned neighbourhood where everyone knows everybody and everyone is friendly.

“I know that Clem liked to do his garden and used to like fishing. The couple were friendly with everybody.”

It is understood that Mrs 
Callaghan had suffered poor health in recent times.

Anyone with any information that could help police is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.