Grieving father kills himself and his disabled son - the day after his wife died

Ray Gigg, 70, is believed to have taken his life fearing he would be unable to look after Lincoln, 38, by himself.

His body and his son's were recovered from the water yesterday morning.

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Last night, neighbours said Mr Gigg was beside himself with grief after the death on Sunday of his wife June following a routine operation.

The couple's three other sons - Mark, 46, Dean, 45 and Neil, 42 - were last night said to be too upset to talk about the tragedy.

Mr Gigg's Peugeot saloon was seen on Monday evening speeding toward Sharpness Docks by the Severn in Gloucestershire.

A dock worker dialled 999 when he saw the vehicle plunge into the water.

Emergency services were unable to recover the car and were forced to wait until yesterday morning for the tide to drop.

A ship crane was then used to move the car on to dry land.

Mr and Mrs Gigg lived with Lincoln in a semi-detached cottage in Coalpit Heath, near Bristol.

Neighbour Margaret Amos, 78, said: "June went into hospital for an operation at the weekend. It was supposed to be a straightforward procedure but something went wrong.

"I saw Ray on Monday at about lunchtime and he told me all about it. He was absolutely beside himself with grief.

"He was in a terrible state. I don't know what happened after that but if he did take his life and their son's I know he must have felt very desperate. It is so unlike him. They were a happy family and completely dedicated to their son.

"He had learning difficulties and I don't think I've ever heard him talk since I've known them, but they loved him so much.

"What a terrible turn of fate.

"I feel just terrible for the sons who are left. One is battling cancer.'

Another neighbour, Edwina Pennell, 51, said: "We've known Ray for years and if it is the case that he killed himself and his son I know that he would be thinking who could look after the boy after he passed away.

"I don't think it would've been a selfish act, but a completely desperate one."

Keith Badsey, harbourmaster at Sharpness Docks, said the incident halted all activity there.

The body of one of Mr Gigg's two dogs was also found in the car. Desmond Bleaken, a night security officer at the docks, said: "The car was completely submerged in 30ft of water."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police appealed for witnesses but said no third party was thought to be involved.

Mrs Gigg, 70, died from peritonitis - inflammation of the lining of the intestine - at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.