South Queensferry couple found dead by daughter

NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after a couple on the verge of celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary were found dead at home by their daughter.

Police at the scene in Echline Gardens. Picture: PA

Police are treating the deaths of Kenneth Graham, 52, and Donna, 51, as “unexplained”.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place today but police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone in connection with the deaths.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham, who is in charge of the investigation, said: “This is a tragic event and our thoughts are with the immediate family and friends of the victims. We still have some investigations to carry out, and police are likely to be in the area for the next few days, however I can confirm that we are not looking for anyone in connection with these deaths.”

The couple’s bodies were found by daughter Laura Graham, 27, on Sunday at around 5pm. Her parents were due to celebrate their wedding anniversary next Monday.

Around lunchtime yesterday, one of the bodies was removed from the semi-detached home in Echline Gardens, South Queensferry.

Mr Graham’s brother-in-law, Philip Hepburn, from Edinburgh, said: “I don’t know the circumstances around the deaths, whatever happened it is tragic.”

Mr Hepburn, who was married to Mr Graham’s late sister, Gloria, added: “It’s very sad, especially for their daughters.

“I haven’t seen them in years, but they were good people and I wouldn’t have a bad word to say about them.”

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said yesterday: “The eldest daughter arrived at the house yesterday afternoon and couldn’t get in. The front and back doors and conservatory were locked. So she went to a neighbour’s to get the key.

“When they walked in they found the man in the kitchen covered in blood. There was blood all over the walls as well.”

She added: “When they went upstairs they found the woman in the bed with a pillow next to her. She was dead.”

Another neighbour said: “After the police arrived the daughter was in the street screaming. She wanted to get the dog out of the house. The police were there all night and you could see flashes coming from them photographing the scene.

“There’s been a massive presence all day and they’ve only taken away one body so far.

“We really feel for the daughters. We don’t know the family personally but they’ve been here a really long time and seemed like a really normal family.”

The couple were married at St Stephen’s Comely Bank Parish Church, in Edinburgh and lived close to the city centre until they moved to South Queensferry. Mr Graham’s occupation was listed as sales executive in 1986, when his eldest daughter was born. In 1990 he was described as a printer. The couple also had a 23-year-old daughter, Lisa.

Another neighbour said: “It’s absolutely tragic. They’ve lived in the area for a really long time and almost everyone knew them. They used to go out for walks quite a lot during the summer and would always say hello to everyone. Our thoughts are with their two daughters.”

Police Scotland’s major investigations unit is leading the inquiry. Officers remained at the scene yesterday, with the couple’s semi-detached house and a lane behind it cordoned off.