A mum reportedly "strangled her two young sons before killing herself" in a suspected murder-suicide.
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 horrific discovery after they were called to the terraced house at 11.50pm on Thursday, following reports of concerns for their welfare.
Detectives were not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation as neighbours spoke of the devastation in their "close-knit community".
Marion Beazer, who lives opposite, said as far as she could tell they were a “normal family” who "never caused any issues in the street".
She added: "Seeing the kids toys out the front tugs on the heartstrings. It’s just dreadful."
Another neighbour, Christopher Babutulde, who lives two doors down from the family, said he used to see the mum walking her two young sons to and from school.
It is understood the property boss either strangled or suffocated her sons before killing herself, reports The Sun.
Post-mortem examinations are due to be carried out to establish the exact causes of their deaths.
Detective Inspector Ollie Stride, investigating, said yesterday: “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."
Their next of kin have been informed.
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."
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