Scottish actor Callum Kerr has issued a statement following the shock death of his mother alongside her husband in France.

UK media previously reported that the bodies of retired fraud investigator Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered Thursday at their home near Villefranche-de-Rouergue in south-west France.

It was later confirmed that Dawn Searle was the mother of actor Kerr, who played PC George Kiss from January 2020 to April 2021 in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. He also had a recurring role in Fox musical drama Monarch, and appeared in Netflix drama Virgin River. As a musician, he has released a number of country songs.

He shared a statement on social media Sunday, saying: “At this time, Callum Kerr, Amanda Kerr, Tom Searle & Ella Searle are grieving the tragic loss of their mother and father, Dawn and Andrew Searle. No family member is available for media interviews or comments.

“We kindly request that their privacy be respected during this difficult period. We will provide updates as appropriate.”

The Guardian newspaper quoted local media reporting the body of Dawn Searle was found first outside the property, surrounded by jewellery. When emergency services were called, they discovered her husband also deceased.

BBC News reported the public prosecutor confirming: “Both died violent deaths, but I cannot establish that either was a homicide. All hypotheses remain open.” Autopsies on the deceased couple will begin Monday.