Cardiff house deaths couple Christine and Stephen Jefferies named

Police were alerted at about 14:50 BST on Saturday after neighbours reported concerns about the couple.

The couple’s pet dog – believed to be a cocker spaniel – had been shot and a rifle was recovered from the property by the police.

Retired welder Mr Jefferies, known by the nickname Jaffa, was a well-known rugby referee and also assessed other referees for the Welsh Rugby Union.

The couple’s home was cordoned off by police with Mr Jefferies’ blue van still parked in the drive.

The couple, who had been married for more than 50 years, had two grown-up children, a son and daughter who both live locally.

The pair had an allotment nearby where they grew their own vegetables.

A local resident, who did not want to be named, said: “They were a nice, quiet couple who always waved when they drove past me in their van.

“Jaffa got injured playing rugby when he was about 20 and took up refereeing and then became an official assessor looking at the performance of other refs,” they added.

He said Mr Jefferies was “very well thought of in the game”.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Christine and Stephen Jefferies at this difficult time,” said Ms Rees.

“I would like to thank the community for their continued support and understanding while we progress the investigation.”