A MAN and woman, holding hands, were found dead in their fume-filled car early today.

They were discovered at Devil's Dyke by a jogger just after 8am.

Ahose pipe attached to the exhaust led to the car's interior and the engine was still running.

The jogger reached in and switched off the ignition before raising the alarm.

Police today were keeping an open mind as to how the couple died but they have not ruled out the possibility of a suicide pact.

Forensic experts today were checking the vehicle as detectives tried to discover the couple's identities.

Both were in their forties. The woman, dressed in a blouse with a coat over her knees, was in the driver's seat and the man, in a shirt and trousers, was in the front passenger seat.

Their Fiat Uno, discovered at a beauty spot and popular picnic area called Poor Man's Corner, near the Dyke Golf Course, had been hired earlier this week in Brighton.

Det Chief Insp Steve Scott, heading the inquiry, said: "It is too early to say how they met their deaths.

"We are making extensive inquiries on the couple's backgrounds and attempting to trace their relatives."

He asked anyone with information to contact Hove CID on 001273 778922.

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