Woman believed to have been strangled and man found hanging
Police are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman in Ealing.
At around 1100hrs on Friday, 28 December, officers attended a house in Rowan Close, W5 (off Popes's Lane) after concerns were expressed for the occupants who had not contacted relatives over Christmas.
Officers found the body of a 62-year old man hanging.
Following a search upstairs, they found the body of a 67-year-old woman. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command have launched an investigation.
A post-mortem examination held at Hillingdon Mortuary on Saturday, 29 December, gave cause of death for the woman as ligature compression of the neck.
Officers are treating this death as murder. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the deceased is believed to be Judith Ann Brierley, 67, of Rowan Close, Ealing.
The death of the man is not believed to be suspicious. A post-mortem examination will be held on Thursday 3 January. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, he is believed to be Kim Matthews, 62, also of Rowan Close, Ealing.
Mr Matthews and Ms Brierley were long-term partners and lived together at the address. They had no children.
Inquests will open and adjourn in due course.
An incident room has opened at Hendon under Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner.
DCI 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."
Although nobody else is sought in connection with the deaths, officers wish to speak with anyone who has information that may assist the investigation, in particular anyone who knew the deceased. The incident room number is 020 8358 0200.
30th December 2012