The man found shot dead at a house in Devizes has been named as former police inspector Bill Dowling.

He and his female partner were found dead at 11am yesterday after the alarm was raised by neighbours.

Police have cordoned off the house, which is off London Road near the Travelodge. Forensic teams spent yesterday and this morning at the house trying to piece together what happened.

The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Ian Saunders. He said he is expecting Mr Dowling’s body to be formally identified this afternoon.

A police spokesman said: “This is an isolated incident and have no reason to believe that anyone else is at risk. However, we ask that anyone who has any information contacts Wiltshire Police on 101.”

Mr Dowling is believed to have left  the force five years ago. He now works for the Ministry of Defence at Tidworth. He has two sons, one of whom lives with him.

He was a former inspector at Devizes, Marlborough and Trowbridge. He was section commander at Marlborough for four-and-a-half years before moving to headquarters in Devizes, where he became an operations inspector in the joint 999 control room.

Chief Inspector Mark Sellers said: ‘News of these tragic deaths will have been a shock to the community and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two people involved.

"I would like to reiterate that this is an isolated incident and reassure members of the community that Devizes is a safe place. I would like to thank residents for their understanding as there will be an increased police presence on the estate as officers continue to conduct vital inquiries. If anyone has any concerns they should contact the local policing team via 101."