A community is in mourning following the shock discovery of two people who had died in their home.

Police forced their way into a property on Vulcans Lane, in Workington, following concerns over the welfare of a man.

They broke in at about 9.45am on Wednesday and found the bodies of two people inside: a man, believed to be in his fifties, and a woman, thought to be in her eighties.

The pair have been named locally as Beatrice Pasquill and John Pasquill, who were believed to be mother and son.

Neighbour Ann Reid said: “Mrs Pasquill was lovely, very polite and very quietly spoken. I just hope she went peacefully in her sleep.”

Her son Danyal Reid added: “John was very quiet and kind, just like his mam. A lot of people thought of her as a lovely person.”

Police say that the two deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

Shop worker Michelle Hansen had raised the alarm with police after becoming concerns about a regular customer.

Michelle said John had not visited the B&M Express (formerly Heron Foods) for two weeks, sparking concern among staff.

She explained: “I was just concerned: he used to do his shopping here every day.

“I can’t comment any more, I feel it’s disrespectful. I just wish it had been a better outcome.”

St John’s ward councillor Mike Heaslip said: “It’s so sad cases like this. It’s obviously a very tragic situation. We don’t know what has happened yet. We need to wait for the police investigation, but it’s sad to see these two people have gone in tragic circumstances.

“I appeal to everyone to look out for their neighbours. The woman that thought to look out for this man was very public spirited.”

Councillor Will Wilkinson, from St Michael’s ward, said: “Community cohesion is not like it was. While there is a police investigation ongoing I would not like to comment, but if a concerned member of the public contacted the police it proves that there still is a community spirit.”

Cumbria police say details are now being prepared for the coroner. They said formal identification has yet to take place but next of kin have been informed.

Detective Inspector Matt Scott, of Cumbria Police, said: “These deaths are not being treated as suspicious. Investigations on behalf of the coroner are continuing. Residents will have been aware of a large police presence around this area of the town and we thank people for their patience.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Fire Service confirmed that a crew from Whitehaven fire station also attended on Wednesday to assist police in making the scene safe.