Birling Gap: Twickenham murder investigation after mother stabbed to death at London home with husband and two children found dead at cliffs

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A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was stabbed to death at her London home and her husband and two young boys were found dead at an East Sussex seafront.

The woman, believed to be in her 40s, was found dead by police at her home in Twickenham after concerns were raised about her welfare on Monday evening.

Met detectives said they then rushed to establish the welfare of her husband, 57, and two children, aged seven and 10, only to find that Sussex Police had discovered their bodies at the foot of cliffs at Birling Gap seafront.

Scotland Yard said that while the bodies have not yet been formally identified, officers believe they are the woman's immediate family.

Murder probe: Forensic officers leave the property in South Road, Twickenham, where a woman was stabbed to death
PA

The bodies of the man and children were found by a member of the public at the foot of cliffs shortly before 5pm, about an hour before police discovered the woman fatally stabbed at the home in Twickenham.

In statement, the Met said: "A woman, believed to be aged in her 40s, was found dead at the scene with stab injuries.

"Detectives quickly sought to establish the welfare of her husband, aged 57, and two children aged seven and 10, and carried out a number of urgent inquires.

"Just before 5pm, Sussex Police discovered the bodies of a man and two young boys at Birling Gap seafront, Eastbourne, East Sussex, and later contacted the Met."

A crime scene in place in Twickenham
John Dunne

A crime scene remained in place on South Road on Tuesday.

The London home, which neighbours believe was rented, remained sealed off with police tape while officers in forensic uniforms were seen inspecting the front garden and bins.

Neighbours described the family who lived there as "pleasant".

One resident, Paul Warrington, 54, told the Sun: “There was nothing untoward that would suggest anything like this would happen. They had lived there for about a year. They were very normal. You’d never imagine something like this would happen.”

Neighbours also described the large emergency services presence on the Twickenham street as police continued to investigate the deaths.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “There were lots of police, people in uniform, outside the house as I came home from work yesterday at about 7pm. They were still there this morning.

Twickenham: Forensic officers exit a house in South Road
PA

“We don’t know much, haven’t heard anything about it, but it’s not good hearing something like this has happened – especially so close to home.”

Pub Brouge Twickenham, yards away from the murder scene, posted online: "Very sad news to hear of our neighbour family has had such horrific events yesterday. Emergency services have been on scene since early evening. Our thoughts are with the family."

A father and his two children's bodies were found at Birling Gap near the seafront (PA )
PA

Other neighbours said they knew very little about the residents and believed they were new to the area.

Paul Warrington, 54, a graphic designer, said: "They were just a very normal family. There was nothing to suggest anything untoward.

"They kept themselves to themselves. We have a residents' association here and they never got involved with that.

"We used to see the kids and hear them playing in the garden. They were just normal kids making a lot of noise screaming and playing.

"It's just absolutely horrible."

Alicia Mede, 25, a mother of two who lives two doors down, said: "I didn't even know anyone lived there. I have never seen any kids living there or anything.

"I saw Christmas lights on around Christmas time, but that was it.

"I haven't seen anyone come or go."

Sussex Police said a vehicle was recovered by officers near the seafront. A spokeswoman for the force added that the three bodies had not been found in the vehicle.

No arrests have been made. Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection to the investigation at this stage.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Metropolitan Police on 0208 721 4005, or locally to Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Glasson. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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