Man found dead with wife had not been to work for two days, says boss

The bodies of Ken McRae, aged 52 and his wife Jayne, 55, were found at their home in Rowley Regis on Wednesday morning.

Mr McRae, who was a pilot plant team leader at the chemical firm Solvay, in Oldbury, had failed to turn up to work for two days. After repeated attempts to contact him failed, his colleagues called the police on Wednesday morning.

Today Jean-Francois Berthiaume, the site director, said: "We are all incredibly shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Ken McRae and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

He said: "We will of course continue to support the police in their investigations in any way we can, but out of respect for the family and for the police investigations it would be inappropriate for us make any further comment at this stage. We also have an employee assistance programme on site and have reminded work colleagues how to access this if they need support."

Mr McRae had worked at the Trinity Street site since 1988 and lived with his wife on Bryan Budd Close.

The couple, who had no children, were considered quiet by neighbours, although they would frequently see him out running and Mrs McRae gardening. A post mortem examination determined that Mrs McRae died from severe head injuries. Police say further tests are to be conducted after pathologists failed to determine the precise cause of Mr McRae's death.

Detectives have revealed they are not looking for anybody else in connection with the deaths.

Detective Inspector Derek Packham, from Force CID, who is leading the investigation said specialist family liaison officers are supporting the couple's family during this difficult time. He said: "We recognise the impact this tragic incident has had on the local community but I would like to reassure people that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths of Mrs McRae and her husband, Mr McRae."