Couple dead after 'murder-suicide'

A couple in their 60s have been found dead in a suspected murder-suicide after concerns were raised that they had not contacted relatives over Christmas.

The pair are believed to be Judith Ann Brierley, 67, of Rowan Close, Ealing, west London, and Kim Matthews, 62, of the same address, although formal identification has not yet taken place.

Police were called to their house at around 11am on Friday, and found the body of a man hanging.

Following a search upstairs, they found the body of the woman. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The death of the man is not believed to be suspicious and a post-mortem examination is expected to take place on Thursday.

A post-mortem examination on Saturday gave the cause of death for the woman as ligature compression of the neck. Officers are treating it as murder.

Mr Matthews and Ms Brierley were long-term partners and lived together at the address, police said. They had no children.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Serious Crime Command have launched an investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner said: "Whilst we continue to keep an open mind in relation to this investigation, we believe this to be an isolated incident with no third party involvement. I would like to express my condolences to the families of Kim and Judith at this very sad time."

Anyone with information or who knew the deceased are asked to call the police incident room on 020 8358 0200.