Niagara police are calling the deaths of two people in St. Catharines “suspicious” after they were found inside of a home on Elma Street on Monday.

The investigation is still in its early stages, but neighbours and friends spoke highly of the couple living in the home.

Niagara police were called to the Elma Street home just after 12:15 p.m. on Monday.

“When they arrived there on scene they found two bodies in the residence, as the result of the initial investigation those officers deemed that the deaths were suspicious,” Const. Phil Gavin said.

Police say the homicide unit is leading the investigation, and 47 Elma Street along with the park next to it were taped off on Tuesday.

Forensic detectives were seen retrieving the two bodies from the home on Monday. This was followed up by K-9 units conducting a search at the park.

“In a lot of police investigations we will set up a large perimeter around a scene and that’s to protect any potential evidence that may be in that area,” Gavin said.

READ MORE: Forensic unit investigating after 2 people found dead at St. Catharines home

Many neighbours and friends told CHCH News that the retired couple living in the home are named Harold and Celine.

Angie, who said she’s been friends with the couple for the past 20 years, was in disbelief when she first heard the news Monday afternoon.

“We’re all in shock and nobody knows anything other than two great people are gone,” Angie said.

“Harold always walked his dog everyday and stopped at every neighbour, known him for 23 years and his wife Celine was just amazing. Just a happy couple.”

Thabet Magaly, who has been a neighbour for 15 years, says it was a normal morning until police arrived.

“In the morning, the street was quiet like everyday, there’s nothing, and then suddenly we found lots of police vehicles, ambulance and the street was totally different than everyday for sure,” Magaly said.

“Oh they’re such nice and quite people, this is what we can just notice, especially in the summer they’re always sitting in front of their door.”

Niagara police have not confirmed the identities of the two people or the cause of death.