Actor mourns his mum and her partner killed in France

The actor son of a British woman found dead with her partner, near her farmhouse in rural France, has spoken of his grief, as neighbours said the couple had no obvious enemies.

- BARNEY DAVIS

Dawn Searle was discovered dead by a friend alongside her husband Andrew Searle after they failed to meet the friend for a dog walk in Les Pesquiès, north of Toulouse.

Town mayor Jean-Sébastien Orcibal said the deaths were “clearly a homicide” and dismissed speculation that it was a “burglary gone wrong”. Ms Searle’s son is former Hollyoaks actor Callum Kerr. In a statement posted to social media, the 30-year-old said: “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.”

Mr Kerr moved to the United States to pursue a career in country music after starring in the soap as PC George Kiss. He previously shared images on social media of him walking his mother down the aisle to marry Mr Searle in 2023.

He wrote at the time: “Not many people can say they walked their own mother down the aisle. What a pleasure! I love you mum. Congrats to Dawn and Andy on their wonderful wedding day and here’s to a tremendous life together for the happy couple.”