Skeletal remains found in London flat two years after neighbours complained of ‘foul smell’

‘We repeatedly called the housing association because it was weird’

Skeletal remains were discovered in a London flat after neighbours complained about a “foul smell” for over two years. Neighbours of a 61-year-old lady had said she that owed thousands in rent for her Peckham flat and her letterbox was overflowing. However despite residents complaining to their housing association landlord since 2019, nothing was done about the issue. [caption id="attachment_318555" align="alignnone" width="580"]

Her letterbox was overflowing/Via SWNS[/caption] When the flat was eventually inspected, the skeletal remains of the neighbours' former resident was discovered. The owner of the flat next to the gruesome scene said: “They told me she was basically a skeleton and asked me to confirm her ethnicity. “It’s disgusting,” she added. “I’m just shocked. I didn’t know her very well but she would sometimes collect my deliveries. “I came back from a trip abroad in September or October 2019 when I noticed a horrific stench in the building. “It was so bad, I had to put a towel under the door.” [caption id="attachment_318556" align="alignnone" width="920"]

She owed thousands in rent for her Peckham flat/Via SWNS[/caption] Residents of the building reportedly became more concerned when a forced entry notice for a routine gas check appeared on her door back in 2020. “We repeatedly called the housing association because it was weird,” the neighbour said. “The police came but they said lots of people had moved out of London during the pandemic and she could be abroad.” [caption id="attachment_318554" align="alignnone" width="602"]

Police had to ask a neighbour to confirm her ethnicity/Via SWNS[/caption] A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed the incident; they said: “At 19:01hrs on Friday, 18 February police were called to a flat in St Mary’s Road, Peckham. “Concerns had been raised about the welfare of a woman who lived at the address. “Officers attended and forced entry. The body of a 61-year-old woman who was deceased was found inside. “The woman’s death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. “A file will be prepared for the coroner.”