A NORTH-East family were hit by a double tragedy this week when a husband and wife died within minutes of each other.

Cynthia and Cliff Morgan, of Sedgefield, County Durham, are both believed to have suffered heart attacks, with Mr Morgan's brought on after discovering the body of his wife.

The couple, both in their 60s, were found in their Sedgefield home on Monday, and a post mortem examination was carried out yesterday.

Their nephew told The Northern Echo last night: "It appears to have been a real tragedy.

"As far as I know, Cliff discovered his wife's body in their home when he went to the house with his daughter, Angela.

"They realised something was wrong and Angela went round to fetch help.

When she returned, she found her father had died too.

"It appears that he had a heart attack brought on by the shock of discovering Cynthia."

Police were called in to investigate at the request of the coroner, but it is believed that there were no suspicious circumstances.