THE decomposing bodies of a man and a woman have been found inside a flat.

Police oficers made the grim discovery after forcing their way into the top-floor property in Orchard Road at Northfleet.

Their entry followed a call from a concerned neighbour who had not seen the married couple, both in their 50s, for some time.

A post mortem examination has revealed the man died from malnutrition. His wife is thought to have died of natural causes but police were still awaiting the results of toxicology reports.

A police spokesman said: "He died of malnutrition we are awaiting toxicology reports on her however it is believed she died from natural causes."

Gravesham council has revealed a tenancy agreement for the flat in question was taken out in 1994 by a Lyn Timberlake who was joined on the agreement by John Timberlake in 1999.

Police are not able to confirm the names as they still are awaiting a formal identification. Attempts are also being made to trace any next of kin.

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