POLICE in Cambodia are investigating after a newlywed British couple were found dead in an apparent suicide pact.

It is understood the bodies of Robert Wells, 36, from Sunderland, and Imogen Goldie, 28, from London were found at their apartment by friends in Sihanoukville on New Year’s Eve.

The Northern Echo understands the pair had both suffered from mental health problems and were found hanged.

They had been married on Christmas Day in the seaside resort.

An investigation by police in Cambodia is now underway.

It is understood a suicide note to their loved ones had been left.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “We are in contact with local authorities following the deaths of two British nationals in Cambodia and are supporting their families at this extremely difficult time.”

Kind-hearted strangers have donated over £9,000 to online fundraising pages to help their families pay for their funerals and to bring their ashes home.

A fundraising page set up by Mr Wells’ mother has so far raised around £3,755.

She wrote: “My only son travelled to Cambodia and married his true love on an island on Christmas Day.

“They were both found dead of an apparent double suicide. I am desperate to get out there to cremate him and bring his ashes home.”

A similar website was set up by Miss Goldie’s mother, Diane.

She wrote: “After the tragic news that my daughter was found dead on her 28th birthday by suicide in Cambodia, I’m looking to raise the funds quickly to help raise airfare to take her sister there to cremate her and bring her ashes home.

“This cruel system failed both my daughter and her husband, Robert, leaving them to find solutions to their mental health issues by their own hands.

“Will you help me bring my baby back home please?”

At teatime on Tuesday around £5,480 had been donated.

Ms Goldie then wrote: “What can I say? THANK YOU!

“Oh my goodness, people are kind. I love you all so much.

“We’ve overreached target in just one day.

“I’m so proud of how you’ve all responded. The tribe is real. We can make a difference.”

l Anyone in need of help can call The Samaritans on 08457-909-090 or log on to www.samaritans.org