Couple in gas tragedy: Husband dead, wife in hospital (From Western Telegraph)

Couple in gas tragedy: Husband dead, wife in hospital

A BUSINESSMAN was found dead at his Kilgetty home, on Monday, in a tragedy that has left his wife recovering in hospital.

Norman Brain, owner of Pebbles gift and accessories shop in Saundersfoot, was discovered by his wife Sian, in the bedroom of their Kilgetty bungalow.

The couple's pet dog was also found dead at 7 Kerr's Way and it is understood carbon monoxide may have been a factor in both deaths.

A distressed Mrs Brain telephoned police at 8.37am, after discovering her 47-year-old husband.

Police found the infants' schoolteacher in a distraught state and in need of medical attention.

She was taken to Withybush Hospital, and police confirmed she had been treated for the inhalation of gas and her condition was yesterday described as 'stable'.

Detective Inspector Jim Morris, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Specialist engineers have been testing the gas boiler.

"We should know the conclusion of these tests later, and whether faulty equipment was to blame, or whether we need to divert our enquiries elsewhere. It is very early stages. "

A post mortem on Mr Brain is expected to be carried out today.

The tragedy has shaken the quiet Kilgetty cul-de-sac.

"It is very sad," a neighbour told the Western Telegraph. "It was just a normal Monday morning. There was nothing untoward. Absolutely nothing. I heard a vehicle outside and because I'm waiting for a delivery for my daughter's wedding I thought that maybe it was the delivery man.

"I went to the front bedroom window and that is when I saw fire, police and ambulance. That was the very first inkling that something was wrong."

Gas company, Transco, was also called to the home to make the gas supply safe.

A spokesman for the company confirmed further investigation will now be carried out by the company which supplies gas to the property.

Mr and Mrs Brain, who married two years ago, were described by neighbours as a private couple, who kept themselves to themselves.

Mrs Brain's family are local. Her father, electrical contractor Anthony Redford, and her mother, who live nearby in Ryelands Lane, Kilgetty, have been at her hospital bedside.

Mrs Brain worked at the Mount School in Milford Haven for 15-years before leaving full-time teaching last summer to help her husband set up their business on the Strand in Saundersfoot.

Former colleague and headteacher of the school, Mrs Chris Jones, described the 41-year-old as an excellent teacher.

"She was highly commended by school inspectors and was a first class teacher and a lovely person," said Mrs Jones. "She is very caring."

Police are continuing to carry out enquiries in the locality and both next of kin and the Coroner have been informed.