Civil servant found shot dead at home (From Salisbury Journal)

Civil servant found shot dead at home

11:07am Monday 4th March 2013 in News Exclusive By Corey Ross

A RETIRED police inspector who worked for 43 Brigade in Tidworth has been found shot dead with his partner at his home in Devizes.

The bodies of William Dowling, known as Bill, and the woman, who has not been named, were found at Moonrakers estate in Devizes just before 11am on Saturday.

Mr Dowling, 59, is a former Wiltshire police inspector who retired in 2007. After leaving the force he worked at HQ 43 Brigade in a new role to create closer links between Salisbury Plain Garrison and the civilian community, improving communication and understanding between the two.

Mr Dowling liaised with the Government office for the south west and the South West Development Agency, as well as any other organisations that wanted to know about the military and changes being made.

It was so successful the Wiltshire Military Civilian Integration Programme was expanded to include Gloucester and Dorset and became the lead super garrison, informing the other four garrisons on how to plan their changes.

The Major Crime Investigation Team is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of Mr Dowling and his partner's deaths. Post mortem examinations have been carried out by a forensic pathologist and police do not believe anyone else was involved.

Chief Inspector Mark Sellers said: 'News of these tragic deaths will have been a shock to the community and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two people involved. “I would like to reiterate that this is an isolated incident and reassure members of the community that Devizes is a safe place.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.