A NEIGHBOUR has described the moment he desperately tried to rescue an elderly couple from their burning bungalow after they were beaten to death.

Dennis and Sheila Jefferson, aged 76 and 73, died from neck and head injuries at their home in Chidham, near Chichester.

Police launched a murder investigation and revealed that a man in his 70s, who is critically ill with severe burns, was a potential suspect.

The man is known to couple and was found by police 60 miles away at an address in Rotherfield hours after the house fire.

Police are waiting to speak to the suspect who has not yet been arrested and is critically ill.

The Jefferson's neighbour, who did not wish to be named, told how he squeezed into their back garden during the fire to try and get inside.

He said: "I was screaming and banging on Dennis and Sheila's front door.

"I went round the side of the house and screamed their names.

"Then I ran back inside and grabbed a ladder to try to get into the back of their house.

"I managed to squeeze through into the back garden without the ladder.

"Their conservatory was totally alight and the back door was open.

"But the smoke prevented me from doing anything. I felt sick.

"We then waited for the fire engines - it was like waiting for a kettle to boil.

"I was standing there helplessly."

Mr and Mrs Jefferson's bungalow was set on fire and the couple were found dead when West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service arrived.

Dennis, who was a retired manager of a printing company, had a son and daughter from a previous relationship.

Sheila, a housewife, also has an adult son and daughter from a previous relationship.

Neighbour Ann Hill said: "They were two of the nicest people I've ever met and I was lucky enough to know them for 30 years.

"It's so sad. They wouldn't argue with anyone, everyone on the street can't believe what has happened.

"All of their neighbours loved them and they were so kind and generous.

"They had been married for more than 30 years and loved each other very much."

Sussex Police revealed a post mortem examination showed the couple had both died from neck and head injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Tanya Jones from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: "It appears the couple were attacked before their home was set alight.

"We are treating this as a murder investigation and are following several lines of enquiry."