A POLICE investigation is under way after two bodies, thought to be a husband and wife, were discovered in Bowling Park, Bradford, yesterday.

The bodies, that of a 40-year-old man and a 35 year-old woman, were found by a member of the public at about 6.30am.

Post-mortem examinations are yet to take place, but one ward councillor said he had been told the couple might have killed themselves.

A large area of the park, near the Lister Avenue entrance, remained cordoned off late yesterday morning, with police standing guard.

Earlier, a forensics tent had been set up between two benches on an open section of the park just up from the children's play area and outdoor gym, and the bodies could be seen being removed from the scene in a private ambulance.

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A pair of police vans and a video van were also parked outside a house in nearby New Hey Road, with residents reporting a police presence in Paley Road and Brassey Terrace earlier in the day.

A member of staff at New Hey Stores in New Hey Road said the couple were husband and wife, and lived in the street.

The worker said the man had visited the store on Sunday to buy goods including a number of scratchcards, adding that police had asked to view CCTV footage of his visit to the shop.

Councillor Imran Khan, (Lab, Bowling and Barkerend), said he understood the couple were of Eastern European descent.

"I've been told it may have been some kind of suicide pact, and it is tragic if that turns out to be the case," he said.

"The whole incident is very distressing for both their friends and family and the local community.

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Police officers attend an address in New Hey Road

"I understand the police are not suspecting any foul play, and I'm sure they are doing everything they can."

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Snow, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "While the investigation is at an early stage, we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances, but the bodies will be subject to a post mortem to establish the exact cause of death.

"Formal identification has not taken place at this time, but we believe the bodies are that of a local couple."