Boyfriend 'made chilling call to police saying he had murdered his girlfriend' before killing himself 30 miles away in suspected murder-suicide

  • Lynn Forde, 35, found dead at property in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, on Sunday 
  • Body of Philip Osborne discovered in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, on Monday 
  • Locals are 'in shock' over Miss Forde's death, as one admits: 'It's such a tragedy' 

Lynn Forde and Philip Osborne were both found dead in the space of just 24 hours

Lynn Forde and Philip Osborne were both found dead in the space of just 24 hours

A boyfriend called police to say he had murdered his girlfriend – before killing himself, with their bodies discovered more than 30 miles apart.

Lynn Forde, 35, was found dead at a property in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, on Sunday afternoon. Her death is being linked to that of Philip Osborne, whose body was found less than 24 hours later.

The body of 36-year-old Mr Osborne was discovered in a house in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, on Monday, following the suspected murder-suicide.

And a police source told the Daily Record: 'The couple had been partners for a long time. It's a tragic ­situation.

'Police received a call to say a man said his girlfriend was dead and when they asked why he thought that, he confessed to killing her.'

Officers investigating the incidents have said Miss Forde's death is being treated as suspicious and detectives were following a positive line of inquiry.

Police said Mr Osborne's death was being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing. It is understood the pair had been in a relationship, with the most recent photo of the couple posted online by Miss Forde in 2015.

Police Scotland last night declined to comment on reports that the pair had died in a murder-suicide. However, they said they were not looking for anyone else.

Tributes to Miss Forde poured in to Facebook, with dozens of friends sharing images of her

Tributes to Miss Forde poured in to Facebook, with dozens of friends sharing images of her

The path leading up to the address where Miss Forde's body was discovered remained cordoned off last night with an officer seen standing at the property's door.

Yesterday, neighbours expressed their shock over the tragedy with one resident, who asked not to be named, saying: 'I would see her out walking her dog. The neighbourhood is in shock, it's such a tragedy.'

The flat where Miss Forde is understood to have lived is one of six in a block in Coatbridge.

The body of Mr Osborne is believed to have been found at his father's quiet, suburban home in Tillicoultry at around 2.50pm on Monday.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'At around 3.55pm on Sunday, the body of a 35-year-old woman was found within a property on Greenside Street, Coatbridge.

'This death is being treated as suspicious and officers were following a positive line of inquiry.

The bodies of Miss Forde and Mr Osborne (above) were discovered more than 30 miles apart

The bodies of Miss Forde and Mr Osborne (above) were discovered more than 30 miles apart

'At around 2.50pm on Monday, a 36-year-old man was found dead within an address in Tillicoultry.

'His death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing. Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death of the 35-year-old woman.'

Locals in Tillicoultry took to social media following the grim discovery. One man wrote: 'There was a helicopter over the village on Sunday night, a police incident van and paramedics on Monday.'

Meanwhile, tributes to Miss Forde poured in to Facebook, with dozens of friends sharing images of her. Gemma Leckie posted: 'Gorgeous girl, gorgeous family. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.'

Maria McLaughlin wrote: 'I am so sorry to hear this. Thoughts are with you all.' Another friend said: 'Thoughts are with you all at this hard time.'

Gemma Chaddock, who Miss Forde was a bridesmaid for, posted a photo of the two and wrote: 'My beautiful bridesmaid.'

One friend called Miss Forde a 'beautiful girl inside and out' and another said: 'Gorgeous girl and gorgeous person'

One friend called Miss Forde a 'beautiful girl inside and out' and another said: 'Gorgeous girl and gorgeous person'

Another wrote: 'So sad, RIP Lynn, thoughts are with your family and friends at this sad tragic time.'

One other friend added: 'Beautiful girl inside and out,' while another wrote: 'Gorgeous girl and gorgeous person.'

Miss Forde's sister Ann Ford also shared an image of her sister online without a comment.

Last year, a couple discovered dead on Boxing Day in Scotland were understood to have died in a murder suicide. 

It is thought Kevin Armstrong, 53, shot his 48-year-old partner Pauline Cockburn before turning the gun on himself.

The pair were found dead at Mr Armstrong's home in Heiton, outside Kelso, Roxburghshire.

Mr Armstrong was known to be an outdoors enthusiast with a passion for gun sports.

For confidential support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See samaritans.org for details.

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