Mason Jones (Reporter)
THE bodies of twin British pensioners have been discovered in their apartment in what police believe was a double suicide.
The 83 year-old expats, George and James Chalkley, were found with plastic bags over their heads at their flat in Fuengirola.
The pair also had tape over their mouths.
One brother was found in a chair in the living room while the other was found lying down in a bedroom.
A police spokesman said investigating officers have ruled out a possible murder case, despite the strange circumstances.
“No third party is being sought in connection with the deaths which appear to be the result of suicide,” he added.
Shocked friends have described the twins as ‘happy’ and ‘lively’
The pair, originally from West Ham, had lived together in the town for around 13 years.
James, described by friends as the more ”outgoing’ of the brothers, had spent almost two decades working as an extra on programmes such as the Bill and Eastenders.
The expat, known as to friends as Jimbo, also enjoyed a career racing speedway bikes before falling injured in Australia in the late sixties.
“I’m just gob-smacked,” said Graham Cherry from the Salon Varietes Theatre where James performed in local productions.
“They always seemed happy, James was a real West End music hall type and George was the quieter one,” said Cherry.
Alberto Daryanai, who owns a small shop frequented by the twins, believes one brother may have killed himself after retuning home to discover the other had committed suicide.
“I think he just couldn’t bear to be apart from his brother,” said Daryanai.
“I think one had a heart or chest problem, he did not look well, the other was really fit and active though.
“They were both such nice people, they would pick up the English newspapers and deliver them to other old people that weren’t well enough to leave the house.
“When his brother was taken in to hospital, the other would buy chocolate bars from me for all the nurses on the ward,” added the 60-year-old.
The bodies were discovered after neighbours reported a bad smell coming from the third floor apartment.
Police believe the bodies may have been there for up to three days.
A spokesman from the British Embassy in Madrid said: “We have been notified of the death of two British nationals in Fuengirola. We stand ready to give consular assistance.”
awww how sad, may they rest in peace together
Taped mouths not a sign of homicide?
Two or more suspects enter the flat, separate the brothers, tape their mouths and put a plastic bag over their heads.
Motive: (i) Robbery or (ii) extortion or (iii) punishment for contacting the local police about some suspect criminal activity in the neighbourhood.
Police: (iii) Part of the criminal ring.
MountieOnTheLoose,
good points you raise. Never heard of suicides taping their mouths first – did the police do any fingerprinting?
I feel the police should look into the deaths a bit more the twins were due to fly to the uk last weekend for a reunion at the childrens home they lived in as children .Also I beleive the past of one is not squeaky clean if not both
Few bad people spoiling the name of Spain..
I was good friends with these guys. Jimbo came to stay in my house in egypt for around 2 weeks. He was so active and full of energy. Rally sad news. R.I.P