Cromer shooting: Keith Johnson found with gun at side

Keith Johnson is believed to have killed his wife Andrea before shooting himself

A council leader suspected of shooting his wife then turning the gun on himself was found with the weapon at his side, a coroner has said.

Police believe North Norfolk District Council leader Keith Johnson, 58, killed his wife Andrea, 44, with a shotgun before shooting himself.

An inquest opening heard Mrs Johnson died of shotgun wounds to the chest and Mr Johnson died of a neck wound.

Police were called to the couple's home in Compit Hills, Cromer, on Sunday.

Opening and adjourning the inquest in Norwich, Norfolk coroner William Armstrong said police and paramedics had gone to the house at about 15:00 GMT following a 999 call.

They found Mrs Johnson, a customer services representative who was born in Corby, Northamptonshire, in the garden of a neighbour's home.

Paramedics were unable to resuscitate her.

Wife's four guns

A post-mortem examination found Mrs Johnson, formerly Chadwick, had died of shotgun wounds to her chest.

Mr Johnson, born in Sheringham, Norfolk, was found dead in the back garden of the couple's home with a shotgun wound to his neck and the weapon next to him.

Police said the weapon was one of four shotguns registered to his wife.

Mr Armstrong said: "It is unlikely there will be any criminal prosecution arising out of this but these matters are now subject to a police investigation on behalf of the coroner."

Mr Johnson had been Conservative leader of North Norfolk District Council since May and had formerly been mayor of Cromer.

The couple were married in 2004 and had no children together.

Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths of the couple.

A full inquest will be held at a later date.