Police are investigating the death of a couple whose bodies were found in the remains of their home in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, after a house fire in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Neighbours have confirmed the home in Hannant Street, Collingwood Park, belonged to Joe and Christine Stephan, who were aged 73 and 68, according to police.
Mr Stephan worked as a salesman for Ray White real estate agency, and his colleagues at the Redbank Plains branch posted a tribute to the couple on Facebook.
"They were both so genuine, helpful and caring [people] who always offered their help even when not asked," said the post, signed Rudy and Alma.
Senior Sergeant Heath McQueen said emergency services were called to the house about 1am and found it well alight.
"The emergency services crews arrived within several minutes of the call being made and there was already smoke billowing from the eaves of the two-storey address, so I'd suggest that fire took hold fairly quickly," Senior Sergeant McQueen said.
Firefighters had to force entry to the house upon arrival to extinguish the fire that had taken hold on the lower level of the residence.
The couple's bodies were found shortly after and police declared a crime scene.
The Queensland Ambulance Service said no other people were treated at the scene.
Senior Sergeant McQueen urged anyone with information on the incident to contact police.
"Preliminary investigations and information at this point in time identify that there is no third-party involvement.
"However, we're still conducting extensive inquiries, including doorknocking and CCTV inquiries of the area, and I'd ask for any persons who may have information to please contact Crime Stoppers.
"I can confirm there's no domestic violence orders between the couple."
Senior Sergeant McQueen said, however, the relationship between the couple "would form an integral part" of the investigation.
