Retired British couple murdered in Jamaica

Halford Anderson and his wife Florence

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaican police are investigating  the murder of  a British couple in Mount Pleasant  in  the parish of Portland.

Halford Anderson, 75, also called ‘Charlie’ and his wife, 71-year-old Florence Anderson, also called ‘Gayle’, were found dead about 1:30 p.m. on Friday

According to local media reports, residents discovered  the man’s body near Mount Pleasant Primary School under a tree, while his wife ‘s body was found in their fire-bombed home with gunshot wounds .

The couple had recently retired to  Jamaica, after leaving Manchester in  England, their family said.

A local newspaper reported that  the couple had been victims of credit card fraud and had reported the matter to police

Superintendent Duane Wellington in a press briefing said “one of the couple’s overseas credit cards has been cloned and was used to purchase a number of items. ”

“Two males, who are persons of interest, are now in police custody and will be questioned as we continue to carry out investigations. We are also appealing to persons locally and overseas if they have any information to disclose same to the police as we seek to bring an early closure to this murder,” he said.

In a statement issued through the British Foreign Office, the couple’s sons said: “Charlie and Gayle were pillars of the community in Manchester and Jamaica, and were hugely popular and loved by many. They were just beginning the next chapter of their lives, retiring to Jamaica before this terrible tragedy. We are completely devastated and ask for privacy at this extremely difficult time.”

They had “enjoyed a long and happy marriage” of 55 years and left behind four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, the statement added.