Essex: Family Tribute After Two Shot

The family of an elderly mother and son who were found dead with gunshot wounds have paid tribute to them.

The bodies of Mark and Maureen Tyler were discovered in Mrs Tyler's bungalow in Pitsea View Road, Crays Hill, on Monday evening (3rd September).

Detectives are investigating the possibility Mr Tyler, 37, shot his 79-year-old mother before turning the gun on himself.

It is believed their bodies had lain undiscovered for several days.

The family of Mrs Tyler, who has now been formally identified by police, said she was "a loving caring person" and described the deaths as a "double tragedy".

In a statement, they said: "Maureen Tyler was a much loved member of her family. She was born in London and lived most of her life in the Billericay area.

"Though now retired, she had various jobs during her working life including working in the local village shop at Crays Hill.

"She was a loving caring person who always saw the best in people. She cared deeply about the family and was well respected in her local community and at her local church.

"Mark was a loving brother and father, who will be sorely missed."

They added: "What happened is a double tragedy. The loss of both Maureen and Mark will affect everyone's lives."

Police have confirmed that both died from gunshot wounds.

They are treating the deaths as suspicious but are not looking for anybody else in connection with the inquiry.

Neighbours said they may have heard gunshots but thought nothing of it, as such noises are common in a rural area.

Mrs Tyler had two sons with her partner Michael Tyler, who died last year, and an older daughter who lives abroad.

Mark, who was married with children, was known to police.

He was arrested but released without charge along with another man after an alleged neighbourhood dispute in Carlisle Way, Pitsea, in December.

Neighbours also said they understood Mr Tyler had a drug problem.

Detectives want anyone who saw Maureen or Mark Tyler in the week before their bodies were found on September 3rd to contact them.

Detective chief inspector Lucy Robinson, of Essex Police, said: "We would appreciate the public's help in building a picture of their movements prior to their deaths, so anyone who spoke to them or saw them is asked to contact detectives at Brentwood SCT on 101 or email SCDAppeals@essex.pnn.police.uk."