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The Telegraph
The Telegraph
National
Helena Lambert

Mother and her two 'loving and caring' sons found dead at London home

Left to right: Nadja De Jager, 47, and her two sons Alexander, nine, and Maximus, seven
Left to right: Nadja De Jager, 47, and her two sons Alexander, nine, and Maximus, seven

A mother and her two young sons were found dead in their south London home, police said on Friday as they launched an investigation into their deaths.

Nadja De Jager, 47, nine-year-old Alexander and seven-year-old Maximus, were discovered at their home on Mayfield Road in Belvedere, in the borough of Bexley, shortly before midday on Thursday. 

Detectives have said they are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.

Nadja is Swedish and was the managing director of a property company, having previously been a chief investment risk officer for the investment management company CBRE Global Investors, according to her LinkedIn profile. 

Her sons have been described as “loving and caring boys” by their primary school.

Officers forced entry to the property after being called about concerns for their welfare at 11.50am on Thursday. 

Nadja, Alexander and Maximus were found inside. All were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. 

A cordon remained outside the house on Friday, where forensic teams were seen searching the house and examining a grey Mitsubishi pick-up truck parked on the driveway. 

Detectives are not actively looking for anybody else - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph
Detectives are not actively looking for anybody else - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

Flowers had been laid on the pavement outside the terraced property, as neighbours spoke of their shock following the tragic incident. 

Belvedere Infant and Junior School paid tribute to the boys, describing them as “truly wonderful members of our school community”. 

“They were loving and caring boys who had a real hunger to learn.

“Both were model pupils and it was clear that they were each other’s best friend. They will be hugely missed by pupils and staff alike, and forever be part of our hearts at Belvedere.

“The death of any child is a terrible tragedy, but our school community will come together to grieve and to be there for each other. Belvedere is a warm and loving place and we will come through this together.”

A crime scene remains in place at the property - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph
A crime scene remains in place at the property - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

Detective Inspector Ollie Stride of the Met Police, investigating the incident, said: “This is a deeply sad case and we are continuing to establish the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. 

“I would like to thank the local community for their cooperation while our officers go about their enquiries.

“Our thoughts today are very much with the family as they struggle to come to terms with their loss and we ask that their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time.”

Marion Beazer, who lives opposite the family, said as far as she could tell they were a “normal family”. The pensioner, who has lived in the street 40 years, added: “They never caused any issues in the street. As far as I’m aware they were just a normal family. They kept themselves to themselves. The neighbours here really watch out for each other.”

“Seeing the kids’ toys out the front tugs on the heart strings. It’s just dreadful.” Marion said she had two police officers in her house going through her CCTV to check for anything unusual.  

Another neighbour, Christopher Babutulde, 68, who lives two doors down from the family, said he used to see the mum walking her two young sons to and from school. He added: “It’s really shocking. We’re such a close knit community who really care for each

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