Father’s note said caring for family was too much

A British man suspected of having shot his ill wife and disabled daughter at their rented Spanish home allegedly left a note apologising for the crime and saying the burden of their care had become too much.

It is believed Philip Wood shot his Irish wife Sheila and daughter Sophie, covered their bodies with a sheet, and turned the gun on himself. Their bodies lay undiscovered for several days.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has contacted Sheila’s family and is offering them consular assistance. A spokesman said officials were liaising with Spanish authorities through the Irish embassy in Madrid. But with autopsies to be completed, the matter was being handled by Spanish police.