A man believed to have murdered his wife before taking his own life was facing allegations he had raped her multiple times throughout their marriage.

It has emerged Catalin Micu was on police bail when he was found dead at GothInk Studio tattoo parlour in Canterbury on Monday evening, along with his “kind, amazing” wife Ramona Stoia.

The 54-year-old had been interviewed by police before the apparent murder-suicide, with Ramona, 35, accusing of him of a series of sexual assaults against her.

The tattoo artist couple, who had one young son together, married in Las Vegas four years ago but are understood to have recently separated.

In February, Ramona secured a non-molestation order – a court injunction restricting or banning contact – against Micu.

It is thought the couple continued to live together, but Micu was banned from “harassing or pestering” her.

But on March 26, he was arrested on suspicion of having breached this order, and of seriously sexually assaulting his wife.

Ramona came forward with a series of historic allegations of rape against her husband, dating back throughout their 16-year relationship but primarily taking place in the last few years.

There were five separate allegations, all of which reportedly took place at the family home.

Following his arrest, Micu was placed on police bail until April 20.

But under the bail conditions, he was still allowed to work alongside Ramona at GothInk Studio, of which he was the sole director.

Dozens of armed police officers were called to the tattoo parlour at about 5.20pm on Monday.

The city’s ring-road was soon shut off, as patrol cars and ambulances lined Lower Bridge Street and a huge cordon was set up.

Kent Police initially reported that two people had been found injured, before confirming on Tuesday that a 54-year-old man and 35-year-old woman had died at the scene.

The incident is still being investigated, but police say they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.

Only Ramona’s death is being treated as suspicious, while police say Micu’s is not.

Kent Police has now referred itself to the police watchdog, following its contact with the couple prior to their deaths.

A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct says: “We are currently assessing the referral to determine what further action may be required from us.”

The tragedy has sparked a huge outpouring of grief and left the Canterbury community reeling.

Ramona has been described as a “pure, perfect soul” - a popular, exceptionally talented tattoo artist with a loyal following.

Close friend Ann Sinden said: “She was the warmest, kindest, most generous person ever.

“We are devastated for her, her family and their son. But also for Cat’s family as they aren’t to blame for this. So, so sad, and so many lives have been ruined.

“Ramona was amazing. She was kind and generous and had the biggest heart.

“Our hearts go out to everyone that knew and loved her.”

Regular customer Erica Terry-Rose said she is “absolutely devastated” by the tragedy.

“It is going to take some time to process this,” she wrote on social media. “I’m absolutely shaken by the news. I’m heartbroken.

“I feel so much for their little boy. It’s such a huge tragedy for the local gothic and tattoo scene.”

Flowers and candles have been left outside GothInk Studio, with one message reading: “RIP Ramona. You were a beautiful soul. You will be missed so much.”

On social media meanwhile, one of hundreds of tributes saw a woman describe Ramona as “an absolute angel, one of the loveliest souls I’ve ever met.”

Ali Gun, owner of Cousins Pool and Snooker Lounge which is located above the tattoo parlour, recalled the moment police first arrived at the crime scene on Monday night.

He had been in the street outside when he noticed a police van and car pull up outside GothInk.

“The [police officers] came out of the car, ran inside, and then a girl came out shaking, very shocked,” said Mr Gun.

“We heard the police inside saying ‘first aid, first aid, first aid’, and we didn’t really want to look what’s happened inside – something terrible.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. It’s shocking, for this to happen on our street.”

Pictures posted on Instagram show Catalin and Ramona had worked together at GothInk Studio since at least 2016.

The tattoo artists were Romanian nationals who lived in Tunstall Road, Canterbury - a small crescent on the city’s Hales Place Estate.

Today, tarpaulin sheets remain covering the front of the tattoo parlour, while a patrol car is stationed outside.

Cones had also been used to reduce a small section of Lower Bridge Street to a single lane.

Two other tattoo artists from GothInk shared a message on Instagram on Tuesday morning warning customers not to arrive for appointments.

It read: “All clients with appointments over the next few days. Please do not come to the shop. All appointments are postponed.”

A police spokesman said: “The next of kin of both parties have been informed and inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing with a view to providing a full report to the coroner.”

Anyone who has any concerns or information regarding the incident is asked to contact the police via the Kent Police website or by calling 101, quoting 11-0995, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For support with issues of domestic violence call Refuge's helpline for free on 0808 2000247, or visit the charity's website here.