United Kingdom, March 2 -- Police investigating the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa say they have identified a "significant" piece of evidence as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Gene, 95, and his spouse, 63, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on 26 February and their bodies, along with that of one of their dogs, were discovered in separate rooms of the property, partially decomposed and mummified.

Santa Fe sheriff Adan Mendoza has now said: "We're looking at (the pills) specifically, and other medications possibly in the residence."

Police confirmedthere were no immediate signs of foul play but described the circumstances as "suspicious enough" to execute a search warrant on th...