THE uniformed officers have gone, the police tape has been removed — just a small pile of bouquets bearing poignant messages bear witness to the brutal double shooting which rocked a West Devon village last week.
Scallop shells are stacked outside Leat Cottage near Dousland where the bodies of Andrew Pawlowski and Beverley Shears fell — a reminder of the man who loved the sea.
Police were called to Lake Lane at noon last Thursday, after reports of gun shots.
The bodies of Mr Pawlowski, 52, and his partner Ms Shears, 43, were found outside the cottage. Both had suffered gunshot wounds.
Police recovered four firearms from the property — a powerful Smith and Wesson Magnum pistol, two other pistols and a rifle.
Post-mortem examination results showed the couple both died from gun shot wounds to the head.
The incident, described as 'tragic and brutal' by Det Insp Paul Jones, who is leading the murder enquiry, was witnessed by Andrew Pawlowski's disabled mother, Margaret, who owns the cottage.
Andrew Pawlowski, known as Andy, was a self-employed builder and electrician, and had, until last month, been a retained firefighter at Yelverton.
Duncan Langton has known Mr Pawlowski since he moved to the area some 30 years ago, when he left his job at Hinkley Point Power Station.
Mr Langton, who lives within sight of the crime scene, said he was 'completely shocked' by what had happened.
'When I saw him last Tuesday, he seemed completely normal, just like Andy always was,' said Mr Langton.
'It was such a shock really — I've never heard that he's ever been involved in any sort of trouble, not even something minor in the pub.'
Mr Langton said Mr Pawlowski could 'turn his hand to anything' and loved being outdoors. He was a keen fisherman and also loved diving.
'He used to have this van and virtually live in it during the summer, following the surf around.
'And he loved his boat — he rebuilt it almost from a pile of scrap. It took him about two years but he did it the traditional way, which was nice.'
Mr Langton said he was aware Mr Pawlowski was interested in guns, and said he used to shoot regularly at a gun club in Tavistock, but he was surprised he owned anything as powerful as the Smith and Wesson found at the cottage.
'I just think the whole thing is a bloody shame — he was a nice bloke. It's all very sad,' he said.
Fred Glanville, watch commander for Yelverton Fire Station, this week told the Times: 'Andy and Beverley were both very well respected firefighters at this fire station and they will be sorely missed.
'We were sorry to see them go and even sorrier to hear what has happened since.'
Deputy chief fire officer Neil Gibbins said: 'Our thoughts are with the Yelverton crew and the friends and family of the two people involved. We will be supporting our staff, particularly those based at Yelverton, through this traumatic period.
'Yelverton is a close-knit community and firefighters by the nature of their job are close to the communities they service and will feel this sad loss more than most.'
Mr Pawlowski was presented with a long service medal to commemorate his 20 years as a firefighter in November 2006.
Dale Durante, assistant division officer, said at the time: 'Andy is a well respected, valued member of Yelverton fire station. He has a calm dependable manner and others often look to him for advice.
'He has a reputation for being very practical and is able to turn his hand to any task.'
Mr Pawlowski was the son of Polish immigrant, Victor Pawlowski, a talented horticulturalist who for many years ran his own nursery near Yelverton.
He has children by previous relationships, including a grown up daughter who lives abroad.
Mr Pawlowski's sister, Kate, this week issued a statement on behalf of her family.
She said: 'Our utmost sympathy goes out to Beverley's family at this terrible time and our thoughts are very much with them.
'We cannot express how much sorrow we feel.'
Gary Fairbrother, Ms Shear's brother, said her family had been 'completely devastated' by the tragedy.
He said Beverley was a loveable, happy-go-lucky person who got on well with everyone.
'No-one could have asked for a better daughter or sister,' said Mr Fairbrother.
Ms Shears, who was also a retained fire fighter at Yelverton Fire Station until last month, had two adult sons.
Ms Shears was originally from Colchester in Essex. She had lived in the Tavistock area for ten years, most recently in Horrabridge.
The Rev Nick Shutt, priest in charge of the West Dartmoor benefice, said a date for Mr Pawlowski's funeral had not been arranged, because the coroner had yet to release the body . He did not know when that was likely to be.
He told the Times: 'At St Paul's Church we have held special prayers for everybody caught up in the tragedy, including those in the emergency services.
'There have been a number of people who have contacted me about this tragedy and we are very much saddened that these events have happened in our area.'