Murder of elderly couple shocks Feilding

An elderly couple last night lay dead in a flat in Feilding, the victims of what police have described as a "heinous" crime.

The victims had not been formally identified late last night but police confirmed they were an elderly man and his elderly female friend.

Detective Sergeant Ross Grantham said a homicide inquiry had been launched and there were indications other people were involved.

"It's a heinous crime because we have an elderly couple murdered in their own home."

The couple were found in their Bowen St home, the third in a block of four council flats in a "nice area".

Police were called to investigate about 8am yesterday.

"A neighbour called to say the gentleman was out of his normal routine," Mr Grantham said.

He did not comment on how they died or whether their home had been broken into. He said police had talked with family members, but the bodies would not be formally identified until today.

Scene examinations and an area canvas would also continue today.

"We have 18 staff on the case, and the team will increase [today] with additional staff from Horowhenua, Tararua and Ruapehu. "These types of inquiries stretch our resources."

A staff member at Feilding Hotel, which has a liquor store on Bowen St, said the couple were well known.

"Locals are devastated. They can't quite believe it."

Feilding is 25km from Marton where Mona Morriss, 83, was stabbed to death in her flat in January.

Although police ruled out sexual violation, they are investigating a "sexual aspect" to the crime. The search for her killer continues.

Mr Grantham said it was far too early to be considering a link with the Morriss murder.