A mum and her two young sons have been found dead after police forced their way into their family home last night.
Nadja De Jager, 47, and her two sons Alexander, nine, and Maximus, seven, were found dead by police after they burst into the home in Belvedere, South East London.
Officers and paramedics made the horror discovery after they were called to the terraced house at 11.50pm yesterday following reports of concerns for their welfare.
Detectives are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation as neighbours spoke of the devastation in their "close-knit community".
Today, the property was sealed off today as the driveway, which has a grey Mitsubishi pick-up truck parked on it, was scattered with children’s toys including a mini basketball net and multi-coloured sand toys.
Shocked neighbours have spoken of their horror following the tragic incident.
Marion Beazer, who lives opposite the family, said as far as she could tell they were a “normal family”.
The pensioner, who has lived in the street 40 years, added: “They never caused any issues in the street.
“As far as I’m aware they were just a normal family. They kept themselves to themselves.
“The neighbours here really watch out for each other.
“Seeing the kids toys out the front tugs on the heartstrings. It’s just dreadful.”
Marion said she had two police officers in her house going through her CCTV to check for anything unusual.
Another neighbour, Christopher Babutulde, 68, who lives two doors down from the family, said he used to see the mum walking her two young sons to and from school.
He added: “It’s really shocking. We’re such a close knit community who really care for each other.
“There’s been a big police presence since yesterday. I’ve had officers knocking on my door.”
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "“I used to see the grandmother wheeling the two kids around in a wheelchair.
“And I used to see the family walking up to the park and the post office and would say hi. But they kept to themselves really.
“Its awful. It’s just too close to home.”
Their next of kin have been informed.
Post-mortem examinations are now due to be carried out to establish the cause of death for the three victims.
Detective Inspector Ollie Stride, investigating said: “This is a deeply sad case and we are continuing to establish the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
“I would like to thank the local community for their cooperation while our officers go about their enquiries.
“Our thoughts today are very much with the family as they struggle to come to terms with their loss and we ask that their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time.”
In a previous statement, police said: "Detectives have named three people found dead at an address in south London.
"They are 47-year-old Nadja De Jager, and her two sons, nine-year-old Alexander and seven-year-old Maximus.
"Police were called at 11:50hrs on Thursday, 9 March to concerns for the welfare of occupants at an address on Mayfield Road in Belvedere.
"Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. Police forced entry to the address and Nadja, Alexander and Maximus were found inside. All were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
"Next of kin were notified and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
"Post-mortem examinations will be arranged in due course.
"The Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation.
"Detectives are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.
"A crime scene remains in place."
London Ambulance also attended the scene. A Spokesperson said: "We were called at 12.16pm yesterday (9 March) to reports of an incident on Mayfield Road, Belvedere.
"We sent a medic in a fast response car and two incident response officers to the scene.
"Sadly three people were pronounced dead at the scene."
