Police probe drug links after woman and man are found dead in child's bed

The bodies of a 27-year-old man and 19-year-old woman, named locally as Jock Mercer and Danielle McDonald, were found dead on Saturday afternoon at a house in Carradale Avenue, Tamfourhill, Falkirk.

Another woman, named as Stephanie Kerr, 19, was rushed to hospital, where she remains.

The couple were discovered in the bottom bunk of a child's bed in the house of a Gary Robertson.

A woman who lives with Mr Robertson and who wished to remain unnamed, said: "Danielle and Jock had called in, we had a few people round but it wasn't a huge party.

"We were all sitting around having a laugh and a few drinks. They got up to leave and I heard the door slam so I thought they'd gone.

"But a while later I found them together, lying there dead, in the bottom bunk of my daughter's bed. They took whatever they took and then they both died in the bed."

The woman said her daughter was not at home at the weekend as she was visiting her father.

Central Scotland Police discovered the two bodies at the house around 4.45pm on Saturday after the Scottish Ambulance Service, who were treating Miss Kerr, called them in.

Miss Kerr was rushed to hospital and is still in a critical condition.

Mr Mercer and Miss McDonald, from Stenhousemuir, are thought to have been in a relationship. She worked at the local Asda store and was well liked. According to her Bebo page, last year she gave birth to a still born baby Aaron.

She wrote on her page: "Ma baby boy Aaron was born asleep on the 25th of March 2009 at 3.37am. He weighed 4lbs 6 and a hlf ozs and was 48 cm in length.

"Missing you lots little angel, when I look up at the stars I think of you. rest in peace! x Love mummy."

She also said that she "lived for the weekend" and that her family and friends are "amazing."

She was a keen Glasgow Rangers supporter. One of her friends told The Scotsman: "She was an amazing girl. She was great fun to be with and we certainly never knew her to have taken any drugs."

Some neighbours said that Mr Mercer was a known drug dealer who has never had a job.

His cousin Craig Brown, 16, said: "We're all really shocked by this. He was a happy, really nice bloke.

"He would always speak to you.He couldn't afford drugs never mind dealing."

Miss Kerr is also from Stenhousemuir and it is understood she was Miss McDonald's best friend.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and officers have not yet confirmed the official cause of death, however toxicology test are being carried out on the bodies today.

A police spokesman confirmed that officers are examining the scene, adding: "The bodies of two persons were found within a house by police officers attending an incident there.

"One other person within the house was removed by ambulance and is currently detained in hospital."

The house has been boarded up and police and forensic teams were examing the property yesterday.

Last night four floral tributes were tied to the railings outside the house.

One read: "One in a million. RIP Jocko, from Chloe."

Another said: "To John, you will be missed."

A post-mortem examinations will be carried out on the two deceased today.

A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.