Bodies of women 'undiscovered for some time' in Nottingham house 'not believed to be suspicious'

The bodies of two women found in a house in Nottingham "undiscovered for some time", are not being treated as suspicious by police.

Officers were called to the property on Hartley Road, Radford on Tuesday 21 May, after concerns were raised for the welfare of its occupants.

Neighbours reported not seeing the women, thought to be a mother and her disabled daughter, since either February or March, when they were spotted at a local supermarket.

Nottinghamshire Police has confirmed that the bodies of two women have been found inside.

It says they "do not believe what happened to be suspicious at this stage".

Neighbours said the older woman who lived at the house was believed to be originally from West Africa, while her non-verbal daughter was seen being physically supported by her mother when they went shopping.

Residents also claimed that the door of the council-owned property sometimes went unanswered for deliveries, repairs or visits by social services, when the occupants were thought to have gone away for months at a time.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named by the media, said she was shocked at being told of the deaths and feared that the mother may have collapsed, leaving her daughter unable to summon help.

Estimating that she had last seen the mother and daughter in either February or March, the woman said: “They keep themselves to themselves.

“I would only see them when they went shopping and coming back.

“I can’t give you an exact time. The daughter herself can’t do anything for herself – she’s totally dependent on her mum.”

Another local resident said: “It’s so sad. She was a very nice woman.

“She was always looking after her daughter, walking beside her.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow said: "This is a tragic case and we are currently working to understand exactly how and when these people died.

"Whilst our investigation remains at an early stage, we do not currently believe what happened to be suspicious.

“We have enlisted the help of a forensic pathologist and will be in a better position to determine what has happened once they conclude their report.

"Officers will remain at the address for at least the rest of today."

In a statement released earlier today, Nottinghamshire Police said: "It is believed they had lain undiscovered for some time."

“Whilst we don’t believe there to be an immediate risk to the public, we are keeping an open mind into what has happened at this address and will be working hard over the next few days to establish how and when these two women lost their lives.

“In the meantime, my thoughts – and those of every other officer involved in this investigation – are with those who have died, their family and friends.”

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