Nadja De Jager, nine-year-old Alexander and seven-year-old Maximus were found inside a house on Mayfield Road in Belvedere, Bexley, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detective Inspector Ollie Stride, investigating 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 enquiries.

"Our thoughts today are very much 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."

Officers were called to the scene at 11.50am on Thursday due "to concerns for the welfare of occupants" of the house in Mayfield Road.

Police forced entry to the property where the victims were found dead. A crime scene remains in place.

The London Ambulance Service also attended the incident.

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The Met said that "detectives are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation".

The next of kin of the family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.

Post-mortem examinations will be arranged in due course, a statement said.

The Met's Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation.