10 March 2023 , 18:35
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A school has paid tribute to two "loving and caring" brothers who were found dead at a home in London with their mum.
A police investigation has been launched after Alexander, nine, and Maximus De Jager, seven, as well as their 47-year-old mum Nadja, were found deceased in a terraced house in Belvedere, south-east London at 11.50pm yesterday.
Detectives are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.
The property remained sealed off today as the driveway, which has a grey Mitsubishi pick-up truck parked on it, was scattered with children’s toys including a mini basketball net and multi-coloured sand toys.
Maximus, seven, was also found dead at homeFollowing the tragedy, Belvedere Infant and Junior School has paid tribute to pupils Alexander and Maximus.
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The school said in a statement: "Alex and Max were truly wonderful members of our school community and we will remember them with great fondness and love. 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.
Belvedere Infant and Junior School paid tribute to the two pupils (Google Street View)"Our deepest condolences are with the family and their friends during this difficult time and in due course we will share details of a fitting memorial for the brothers at Belvedere.
"For now, our immediate priority has been to make sure we have support in place for the children and staff to help them come to terms with what has happened, including through specialist counselling.
Mum Nadja De Jager's body was also found"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."
Shocked neighbours have spoken of their horror following the discovery of the family's bodies.
Marion Beazer, who lives opposite the home, said as far as she could tell they were a "normal family".
Police at the scene in Belvedere (PA)The pensioner, who has lived in the street for 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.
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"Seeing the kids toys out the front tugs on the heartstrings. It’s just dreadful."
Police forensics officers leave the property (PA)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 other.
"There's been a big police presence since yesterday. I've had officers knocking on my door."