A MURDER probe is underway after a couple discovered dead in their armchairs were found to have ingested deadly fentanyl.

       Millionaires Stephen, 61, and Carol Baxter, 64, were found unresponsive by their daughter Ellie Baxter in their home in West Mersea, Essex, on April 9.

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       Stephen Baxter and his wife Carol died in their home Credit: East Anglia News Service 2

       The home where the couple were found dead at the scene Credit: East Anglia News Service

       Paramedics were called to the address but tragically the couple, who were joint directors of bath and shower mat firm Cazsplash, were confirmed dead at the scene.

       A spokesman for Essex Police said the deaths were initially treated as unexpected but not suspicious.

       Two men and a woman have been arrested by police to gain "comprehensive accounts" and remain in custody, Essex police confirmed on Thursday.

       But they added: "As a result of an extensive investigation and toxicology analysis, two men and a woman were arrested in order to gain comprehensive accounts from them.

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       "They remain in custody for questioning as other enquires are conducted.

       "We continue to remain open-minded as to how the couple died."

       Ellie, who was with her one-year-old son at the time, immediately suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and threw open the bi-fold doors at the property.

       Inquests into the couple's deaths were opened individually at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford this morning.

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       And it was found the pair had the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl in their systems, an inquest heard today.

       A post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death for Mrs Baxter as "combined fentanyl and promethazine toxicity with terminal bronchopneumonia".

       The provisional cause of death for Mr Baxter was delivered as cardiomegaly and alcoholic liver disease with fentanyl intoxication.

       Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is similar to morphine but up to 100 times more potent.

       It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally - often as a substitute for heroin.

       Area Coroner Sean Horstead said: "On the basis of the information I am satisfied that this requires a full inquest.

       "At the written request of Essex Police, I will suspend the coronial investigation for four months.

       "That will run until Monday, November 6, 2023, no doubt there will be communication from Essex Police from the expiry of that date.

       "I offer my sincere condolences to the friends and family of [the Baxters] during this very difficult time for them."

       Daughter Ellie, 21, said that finding her parents' bodies was "awful".

       Ellie told MailOnline in April: "It was absolutely awful to see. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

       "But what I keep going back to is they were sitting there together and were peaceful. There were no signs of a struggle or any pain."

       She went on: "They were very loving. Family always came first. They made sure that we always had what we needed, and then some.

       "They were extremely loved by many people. They worked hard for everything they had. Their absence will make a big impact on many people in many places."

       Mersea resident John Akker told the Gazette it was a "shock to locals", adding: "It is very sad news."

       The couple founded Cazsplash, which sells corner and curved shower mats, in 2012.

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       Carol had run the business since its inception, having also worked in adult education, while Stephen worked for a real estate firm.

       The duo were also both keen members of West Mersea Yacht Club, in Coast Road, which flew its flag at half mast following their deaths as a mark of respect.