A mum and daughter were found dead in their home after not being seen for three months.

The bodies of Beryl and Joyce Sheen were discovered by police officers after the alarm was raised last Monday, August 6.

The pair were known by neighbours in Staines Hill, Sturry, to be reclusive, but concerns grew about their welfare after they were not seen since May.

Officers arrived to find Beryl, 63, lying on a sofa, while Joyce, 91, was on the floor.

Both were in a state of advanced decomposition.

A pathologist was unable to determine the cause of their deaths.

Neighbours say they rarely saw the pair except when Joyce was spotted gardening on the rare occasion.

They say police forced their way into the hidden bungalow after seeing the motionless pair through the window.

One neighbour says he regrets not raising the alarm sooner but due to the mother and daughter's reclusive nature, he thought little of their absence.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police officers attended an address in Staines Hill, Sturry at 11.17am on 6 August where the bodies of two women were discovered.

"Officers are currently treating the deaths as unexplained and a report is being compiled for the coroner."

An inquest was opened and adjourned today at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone.