Carol Fisher's body was discovered on a path beside the bungalow

Post mortem examination results on Carole and Graham Fisher discovered that the couple had undergone a prolonged ordeal before they were gunned down.

The couple were murdered at close range at the bungalow and petrol station near Wadebridge, Cornwall, on Bonfire Night.

Mrs Fisher's body was found by a bus driver outside the Perch Garage petrol station on the A39 at about 0900 on Thursday.

Mrs Fisher, 53, was probably running for her life when she was killed, police said.

Inch by inch

Mr Fisher, 60, was found shot dead in a hallway inside the bungalow.

The couple ran the garage business on the A39 together

Detective Superintendent Stuart Newberry, who is leading the hunt for the killers, said: "Both died of mass injuries. It's believed that a shotgun was used and they were shot a number of times.

"They had both also sustained a serious physical assault during the the ordeal."

He refused to say how many times the couple had been shot or the type of physical attack they suffered before their deaths.

Detectives still do not know what the motive was for the killings, but several neighbours have said the couple kept a large amount of cash in their home.

The Fishers were last seen alive by a couple who had a business meeting with them at the petrol station which ended at about 1840 on Bonfire Night.

Cash clue

It appears the couple were about to eat an evening meal when they were killed.

The Fishers have owned the Perch Garage and car repair centre for about 20 years.

They are described by neighbours as an "introverted" couple who "kept themselves to themselves".

Officers are still searching the premises for weapons owned by Mr Fisher, who was a firearms holder.

Police are appealing for anyone who was at the garage on Bonfire Night to come forward. A team of about 60 officers is working on the case.