An elderly couple died in a freak accident after the woman fell down the stairs in a desperate attempt to save her partner who had also tripped.

Mary Murphy, 66, is thought to have tried to grab hold of John Wood, 67, when he stumbled at the top of the stairs, but slipped herself and the pair fell to their deaths.

Their bodies were found by paramedics on Wednesday in the hallway of their terraced home, after concerns were raised about their welfare.

Mary Murphy, 66, and her partner John Wood, 67, died after falling down the stairs at their home in Failsworth, Greater Manchester

Police initially thought the deaths may be suspicious, but after investigating they believe it was a ‘bizarre and tragic’ accident.

It is understood that Miss Murphy, a retired office clerk, had lived at the property in Failsworth, near Oldham, all of her life, having looked after her elderly parents.

In recent years she struck up a close friendship with Mr Wood. The retired couple were devoted to each other and attended a prayer group, though it is not known whether either pensioner had any children or close relatives.

Miss Murphy had been a regular worshipper at nearby St Mary’s RC Church, where priest Father John McKeown described her as ‘very kind and well-liked’. He believes the accident occurred because the stairs at her home are very steep and she used a walking stick to get around. Both Miss Murphy and Mr Wood were also overweight and suffered from severe mobility problems.

He said: ‘Mary was not very good on her feet. If one of them tripped while they were trying to get down then this could have brought the pair of them tumbling down. It’s absolutely tragic.’

The couple's home was cordoned off as police forensic investigators were seen going into the property

Residents spoke of their sadness at the couple’s deaths, with one saying: ‘It is the most shocking thing to happen – that a simple slip could cost them both their lives. They were devoted to each other. They will be really badly missed in the community because they were such a force for good.’

Another said: ‘It is very upsetting and we are in mourning. I would see them at mass on Sunday, they were always smiling and you could tell they loved each other.’

Detective Inspector Lewis Hughes from Greater Manchester Police said: ‘This is an extremely bizarre, albeit tragic incident and our thoughts are with the couple’s family and friends.’