Elderly couple found dead in Newcastle

Medical issues are thought to have motivated the deaths of an elderly couple whose bodies were found at separate locations in Newcastle.

Emergency services were called to a home at Stockton about 6am on Friday after concerns were raised about the welfare of 75-year-old Elizabeth and 76-year-old Martin Webb.

Police found Mrs Webb's body inside the house.

A short time later, officers retrieved Mr Webb's body from the surf at Stockton Beach. He is believed to have drowned.

Initial inquiries suggest no third parties were involved, with police instead focusing on the husband and wife's medical history.

Acting Superintendent Gerard Lawson said it was too early to speculate about what had occurred but described it as a "tragic incident".

"The family are certainly suffering a terrific loss of parents," he told reporters in Newcastle on Friday.

"We also believe that there may have been medical issues that underlaid what happened this morning."

He said the couple had been married for several decades and their "very loyal" dog is now in the care of family.

"The very loyal dog didn't want to leave the house. It was very sad," Acting Supt Lawson said.

Detectives are now awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations.

The couple's neighbour George Curtis described Mr Webb as a "lovely person".

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