A celebrity florist and her disabled nine-year-old daughter found dead in a lake just 50 yards from their home had drowned, police have confirmed.

CCTV FOOTAGE OF JUDE RICHMOND AND DAUGHTER MILLIE WHITEHEAD-RICHMOND AT DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE

Jude Richmond, 41, and Millie Whitehead-Richmond, who suffered from cerebral palsy, were found dead on Wednesday, three days after they disappeared.

Officers had been searching for a "mystery man" seen with them one hour before they left their home in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, on Sunday evening.

But it has now emerged that this sighting took place between 5pm and 5.15pm on Saturday, one day earlier, after a witness was re-interviewed.

And yesterday Inspector Derek Jones of Gloucestershire police said at a press conference in Cirencester: "We are treating this as a tragic and very sad case. We are not looking for anyone else at the moment."

Mr Jones said that both Mr Whitehead and Mr Richmond were being updated on developments. He said: "We have officers with both parties to look after their emotional requirements. They are getting full support and have been fully co-operative and supportive of our inquiries.

"The impact on the community has been severe. It is a close-knit community and Jude was a high-profile member."

Formal identification of the two bodies was due to be completed yesterday.

It is believed Mrs Richmond's ex-partner Neil Whitehead, 54, who is Millie's father, and Nick Richmond, 45, her estranged husband, will carry out the identification.

Police officers broke the news of the discovery to Mr Richmond at Heathrow Airport as he arrived back in the UK from Australia on Wednesday.

He had spent the past month living in New Zealand. It is thought Mrs Richmond was depressed after the breakdown of their relationship.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wasley, who is leading the investigation, said yesterday police are treating the deaths as "unexplained". He said: "At this moment in time we remain open-minded as to the circumstances of these deaths and are exploring a number of lines of inquiry to ascertain exactly what happened.

"A team of officers are analysing the forensic evidence, talking to all those who entered and exited the estate over the weekend, and examining CCTV, mobile phone and computer records.

"A detailed forensic search of the house and surrounding area is continuing to take place. Our sympathies at this time are with the family and friends of Jude and Millie and it is essential that we conduct a thorough and painstaking investigation for the sake of everyone involved."

Mrs Richmond and Millie, who were last seen leaving their home between 6pm and 6.30pm on Sunday, were also spotted at 3pm and 3.30pm walking through South Cerney.

Police released images of the pair which show Mrs Richmond in a white T-shirt and white cropped trousers pushing Millie in her wheelchair.

They were shopping at Dobbies Garden Centre in Siddington, near Cirencester, and left at about 4.30pm on Sunday.

The Rev David Bower, vicar of All Hallows Church, in South Cerney, said: "Both Jude and Millie were lovely people. The whole village is devastated."

Mrs Richmond, who grew up in the Scottish Highlands, was a world- renowned florist whose clients included the Queen Mother and rockers Pink Floyd. The former graphic designer, who owned five shops in London, created bouquets for Hollywood blockbuster Bridget Jones's Diary and a string of famous operas.