Die Welt

A family of four were found dead near the French port of Calais by a visiting neighbour. The neighbour, who had not seen the family for some time, found Rene and Christine (both 55) hanged on the verandah of their house together with their children Angelique (27) and Olivier (30). The surname of the family has not been disclosed.

The 6,000 residents of the town of Coulogne are at a loss to explain the multiple suicide.

An unsigned note was found in the house, but offers no explanation for the incident. Mayor Jean-Claude Dubut issued a statement that the family, who were well known in the community, were not known to have been in financial difficulties. Rene had recently retired from working in a chemistry laboratory and was described by neighbours as "a nice, quiet man".

His son Olivier was living with his parents, had recently qualified in logistics and was unemployed. This is not unusual in an area of Northern France which has 17 per cent unemployment. His sister Angelique had moved out and was living alone and working as a cleaner.

Foul play is not suspected. The local prosecutor’s office stated that the bodies showed no signs of violence. Toxicological tests are being undertaken and results are expected next week.