Police have launched an investigation into the ‘unexplained’ deaths of a man and woman who were found dead inside a home in Thamesmead.
Police were called shortly before 3pm on Tuesday after concerns were raised for the welfare of people inside an address in the London area.
Emergency services attended and gained entry to the property, where they discovered a man and woman with serious injuries.
Residents said a woman aged in her 40s or 50s had moved into the property last year.
The pair, who are understood to have been known to each other, were tragically declared dead at the scene.
Residents said a woman aged in her 40s or 50s had moved into the property last year.
They added that, in a bizarre twist, there had been another gruesome discovery in the same flat previously.
They said before the woman moved in, a previous resident – a man – had been found dead in the same flat and his remains not discovered for 18 months.
Lucy Frances, 41, who lives in the block, said: ‘I didn’t really know the woman, I only saw her a few times.
Police at the scene of the tragedy in Thamesmead where a man and woman were found dead
‘Once was when she moved in last year.
‘Then I saw her in the garden, she wanted to lay flowers for her mum who had just died.
‘But there’s something wrong with that flat – a body was in there for 18 months before her and no one found it.
‘People were complaining about flies and no one did anything for over a year.
‘Then she moved in right after.
‘I never saw anyone other than her brother going in there.’
Another resident said: ‘The gentleman who lived there before died and his body was there for 18 months.
‘Eventually they found him, the neighbours said there were flies and a smell.
‘Now this poor woman has died.
Emergency services attended and gained entry to the property, where they discovered a man and woman with serious injuries
‘I was surprised to hear it was two people in there, I never saw anyone going in or out.’
Russell Webb, 64, said he believed the women in the flat lived there alone.
He said: ‘I thought she did but then there was two of them in there.’
He added: ‘I consider myself quite reclusive but some people are really isolated.
‘The man and his dog who lived there before died.
‘She moved in just after that, so she hadn’t been here long.’
Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who leads policing in Bexley, said: ‘I know many residents in the local area will be questioning why police are carrying out enquiries within Holstein Way.
‘We are currently investigating the death of two people, which was unexpected and unexplained.
Concerns had been raised for the welfare of people inside an address in the London area
‘At this early stage, we are working with officers and local authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
‘We believe that the two were known to each other, and at this time we are not seeking to speak with anyone else in connection with this.
‘A crime scene will remain in place until we have conducted our enquiries. Thank you to those in the local area for their patience.’
Their next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.
