Teacher and boyfriend die in suspected gas poisoning

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The couple, named locally as Zocika O'Kelly, 54 - known as Zoe - and partner Dave, 49, were found by police in Maidstone at 4pm.

Neighbours Paul and Marilyn Reckless had been expecting Ms O'Kelly for Christmas dinner. Mr Reckless, 55, said: "While we were at church in the morning, our son Stephan went to see if Zoe was still coming over. He couldn't get an answer at the door so let himself in, as we look after their spare key, to make sure everything was okay.

"He noticed them lying in bed together, but just assumed they'd had a drink the night before and were sleeping in, so decided not to disturb them.

"Then at about 4pm the police came over, asking to use our key, and discovered they were both dead."

A police source said detectives believe they may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas can be emitted by faulty or poorly maintained boilers.

Ms O'Kelly had been a PE teacher at St Simon Stock Catholic School before taking early retirement five years ago. Her partner, a street-light repair man, had moved in with her recently. Mrs Reckless said: "She was so lovely, and was highly thought of by her colleagues."