POLICE have said they are not treating as suspicious the death of a man found at his home at Poughill, near Cheriton Fitzpaine.

The body of businessman and property investor Charles Cole was found by police at the £2.25 million home on Tuesday, September 22.

Mr Cole (50), ran a tourism business from his home at Poughill and also owned a portfolio of other properties in the UK.

It is understood that he killed himself using a gun.

Police added: "His family have been informed and the death is not being treated as suspicious. A file is being prepared for the coroner."

A few years ago Mr Cole said that he had suffered from a swift decline in fortunes from poor investments, at one stage describing himself as “virtually penniless”.

Prior to that he had purchased the former family home at Poughill and also owned dozens of houses.

As debts grew and because the fees were costly, he took his children out of public school to teach them at home.

In March this year he launched a new tourism venture, glamping-style holiday lets from units at his Poughill home.

Mr Cole leaves wife Iona (42), and their four children, Hedley, Elizabeth, May and Charity.

Plans for Mr Cole’s funeral are to be announced in the near future.