THE former University of York student whose wife and baby were found shot dead at their home in America is refusing to talk to police, it was reported today.

Neil Entwistle, 27, had agreed to travel to the US embassy in London to speak with investigators, but is believed to be refusing to co-operate on the advice of his lawyers.

Mr Entwistle's wife, Rachel, and their baby daughter, Lillian, were found shot dead at the family's home in Massachusetts last Sunday.

Authorities investigating the case said they did not regard Mr Entwistle as a suspect, but they do see him as someone they believe may have valuable information about the double murder.

US newspapers claim Mr Entwistle declined to meet Massachusetts investigators - who had flown to England to talk to him on Friday - acting on the advice of a lawyer.

There is no mention of Mr Entwistle in any of the death notices issued by the family of Rachel, 27, who met her husband when they were both members of the University of York rowing club.

Rachael's family have spoken for the first time of their devastation.

Rachel's family lawyer, Joe Flaherty, said: "The entire family is overwhelmed by the loss of Rachel and Lillian and the events of last weekend.

"We are also grateful for the outpouring of prayers, love and support offered by family, friends and strangers alike.

"Rachel was a wonderful wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister and mother. She was always first to share her beliefs, her love and her support for others. She made close friends a part of her family and always kept her family at the centre of her life.

"With the birth of Rachel's daughter, Lillian, last April, Rachel shared her greatest love - being a mother. As the family continues to grieve, we also celebrate and are thankful for the time we had with Rachel and Lilly."

They will hold a funeral for Rachel and Lillian on Wednesday.

The bodies were discovered at the family home in Hopkinton last Sunday, a day after friends and family turned up for a dinner party only to find the house in darkness.

Mr Entwistle graduated in 2002 with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of York, where Rachel was studying for a teaching qualification.

Updated: 09:28 Monday, January 30, 2006