The couple found dead in woods in Zeeland last week died of gunshot wounds, police said on Monday.

A pistol was also found near the couple, who were lying close to a blue Mercedes not far from the village of Dishoek. The couple, aged 43 and 39, are known to have come from Middelburg and had five children.

News agency ANP said although it is not yet clear what happened, the woman had made several reports of domestic violence in recent years. Last year the man was twice banned from coming near the family home.

Police say they think the couple made an appointment to meet on Wednesday and went together to the place where their bodies were found.