[Ammi]

Detectives are investigating the deaths of a couple whose bodies were found underwater in the swimming pool of an exclusive country house hotel.

The man and woman, who have not been named, were staying together at 14-century Down Hall in Hatfield Heath, Essex, on the same night a murder mystery party was due to take place

Their bodies were found at 7.35pm on Saturday in the spa area of the historic Italianate mansion.

Among the other functions being held, there was reportedly a murder mystery game and the real-life “unexplained” deaths were initially viewed as being part of a “fantastically realistic event” by revellers.

“It was only then that the police told us there had been a real incident and two people were dead,” one hotel guest told the Daily Mirror.

Staff dived into the water to save the man, aged in his 30s, and the woman in her 20s, but they could not be resuscitated. Both are believed to be from the London area.

Police said they had checked in together but it is not known whether they were among the groups celebrating at the hotel-conference centre. It was reported they were dressed in their swimming costumes.

The hotel itself advertises its Murder Mystery breaks which it claims offer visitors a “night of intrigue and suspense”.

Detectives are treating their deaths as unexplained. There is understood to be no evidence of foul play and investigations are continuing. A post-mortem examination is due to take place today. No one else is being sought in connection with the incident.

Chief Inspector Nick Lee said staff and emergency services had battled “valiantly” to save them. He said: “As part of the investigation we are trying to focus on what the relationship was between the victims.”

He added: “It’s a very busy hotel; there were a number of functions going on. At the moment we haven’t ascertained whether these individuals were part of any function.” Investigating officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate described the incident as “very unusual”.

Set in 110 acres of surrounding woods, parkland and gardens, near Bishop’s Stortford on the Hertfordshire and Essex border, the venue is a popular place for weddings and business meetings. In 2009 it played host to the wedding of the late-Big Brother star Jade Goody and her husband Jack Tweed.

The manager, Chris Falcus, said: “We are devastated by this tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those concerned. We are co-operating fully with the police investigation.”

Louise Saunders, a guest, had spent two nights at the hotel celebrating a birthday. “We were going to use the pool about 5.30pm but decided against it as the pool was busy with families and children. I’m so glad now we didn’t,” she said.

Police and scene of crime experts spent all night and yesterday at the scene – a building separate to the rest of the 99-room hotel

[Nedusa]

I know these Murder Mystery nights are getting more realistic but does seem way over the top....!!!

[Glenn.]

Originally Posted by Nedusa

I know these Murder Mystery nights are getting more realistic but does seem way over the top....!!!

Tragic story but omfg

[SharkAttack]

Originally Posted by Glenn

Tragic story but omfg

[2]

RIP couple that died in the pool.

[BBfanUSA]

Yeah I third that, but Now I have a The Who song stuck in my head and the Law and Order US theme

[Livia]

I wonder if Micahel Barrymore can account for his movements?

[lostalex]

Originally Posted by Livia

I wonder if Micahel Barrymore can account for his movements?

or William Shatner.

[Redway]

Arista, why do you have to be so rude?

[arista]

Is this a Murder?

Only the low selling Mirror paper claims that

[Ammi]

..I'm not sure yet Arista, one site said it was suicide but I don't know whether that's certain...

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by arista

But your Stupid heading has Murder
so you back the mirror paper

..no, my stupid heading said that it was at a murder mystery party, using single quatation marks...thank you for politely querying that Arista...

[Jack_]

Originally Posted by arista

Is this a Murder?

Only the low selling Mirror paper claims that

Sorry Rupert Murdoch

[Josy]

Oh dear RIP

We are planning on doing a murdery mystery night at a hotel in edinburgh for my other halfs birthday in September.

[bbfan1991]

RIP. My thoughts are with their loved ones.

Ooh you are in for some spooky fun then Josy!

[arista]

Originally Posted by Josy

Oh dear RIP

We are planning on doing a murdery mystery night at a hotel in edinburgh for my other halfs birthday in September.

Go ahead in Sept.


This Story is not proven as a Murder

[Scarlett.]

Obviously the work of the Dark Brotherhood.

[Omah]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz2RxxlBm5N

A man and a woman found dead in a swimming pool at a hotel been named at an inquest today.

Komba Kpakiwa, 31, from Erith in Kent, and Josephine Newahun Foday, 22, from south London were discovered in the water at Down Hall Country House Hotel in Hatfield Heath, Essex, on Saturday evening.

Ms Foday’s birthday was the previous day and she was at the hotel to celebrate. Mr Komba was also at the hotel for a birthday celebration.

Eleanor McGann, deputy coroner for Essex, opened and adjourned an inquest at New Bridge House in Chelmsford this afternoon.

Police said the pair from London checked in at the £150-a-night hotel together, but could not confirm if they were a couple.

Yesterday detectives said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths, which they are treating as ‘unexplained’.

Police ordered toxicology tests to check if the pair had been drinking, although a senior officer said the tests were a routine part of the investigation.

I have no doubt that speculation abounds .....

[Cherie]

Looks like it may have been a tragic accident where one got into difficulties.