Tragedy as brothers are found dead with their director mum
TWO young brothers have been found dead alongside their mother in their home.
Police discovered the bodies of Nadja De Jager, 47, and her sons Alexander, nine, and Maximus, seven, when they forced entry to the house.
Officers had been called in because of concerns about the welfare of the occupants. The Metropolitan Police said detectives are not seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.
Yesterday the brothers, from Belvedere in south-east London, were described as ‘loving and caring boys’ in a tribute by their primary school.
Ms De Jager is understood to have worked as managing director of a local property company.
In a statement, Belvedere Infant and Junior School said: ‘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
‘They were loving and caring boys’
Belvedere. 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.’
Neighbours are mourning the loss of the family after the grim discovery on Thursday morning at the 1940s terraced house.
Dawn Porter said: ‘ I don’t think it’s properly sunk in, I feel kind of physically sick thinking about what has gone on.
‘It’s very sad. You just want answers when something like this happens.’
Another neighbour told the Mail the family appeared recently to be preparing to move out but then had a change of heart.
‘A couple of weeks ago it looked like they were moving out,’ she said. ‘She’s taken the curtains down and thrown a load of old toys away. And then everything went back to normal.’
The neighbour added: ‘ She was always smart and her kids were well looked after.
‘In the summer the boys would play happily in the garden. God knows what happened.’
Officers were seen going door to door conducting inquiries yesterday, and a forensic van was parked near the house where a children’s basketball hoop sat in the drive.
Forensic teams were seen searching a grey Mitsubishi pick-up truck in the drive of the family’s house.
A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.
Detective Inspector Ollie Stride 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 inquiries. Our thoughts today are 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.’
A Met Police spokesman said: ‘Police were called to concerns for the welfare of occupants at an address in Belvedere.
‘At this early stage, detectives are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.’