Police find woman strangled to death and man hanged in same Ealing flat

Sarah Shaffi Sunday, December 30, 2012
4:38 PM

Police are investigating after a man was found hanged and a woman found strangled to death in the same flat.

Officers went to a house in Rowan Close, Ealing, on Frday after concerns were expressed that the occupants had not contacted relatives over Christmas.

Upon entry police 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 yesterdat 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, and a post mortem is due to be held on Thursday. 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.

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.