A COUPLE found dead in a car in March are the owners of two care homes in the Fens, it has been revealed.

Jaswant and Isabel Beeharry were found in the back seat of their black BMW in a lane at Floods Ferry on Saturday morning.

Firefighters said there had been a “small fire” in the car, which had left it smoke damaged.

Police are not treating the deaths of the couple, who were believed to be aged 48 and 53, as suspicious. An inquest is expected to open on Friday.

Mr and Mrs Beeharry, who lived at Friday Bridge, near Wisbech, owned the Terrington Lodge home, at Terrington St Clement, near King’s Lynn, and the Maria Helena Care home at Spalding, Lincs.

More than 50 elderly people live at the two homes. A Care Quality Commission report, published after an inspection in 2009, said the standard of care at Terrington Lodge was “homely” and considered “second to none” by residents.

Marie Helena Care describes itself as “a stately hall, where time is measured by a shadow on the wall”.

Debbie Olley, assistant director of community services at Norfolk County Council, said: “This is clearly a difficult time for everyone associated with Terrington Lodge.

“We are supporting the care home manager and all the residents will continue to be cared for at the home in the immediate future.

“While there is some unavoidable uncertainty about the future of the home at the moment we will ensure that all the residents continue to receive the care they need.”

Glen Garrod, Lincolnshire’s assistant director for adult social care, said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Mr and Mrs Beeharry at this tragic time.

“We will, of course, assist the police and the coroner’s office with their investigations in any way we possibly can.

“Our priority now is, and remains, the home’s residents. We’re working closely with the Maria Helena Care home staff to ensure all residents and their families receive as much support and reassurance as we’re able to give in this very difficult situation.”

A woman who answered the phone at Terrington Lodge said: “I have no comment to make.”