The mother and daughter found dead in their Esher home had not been seen since June 17, it has emerged.

The bodies were found at a house in Esher on Monday after a man, thought to be husband and father, was found dead in southern France.

Although formal identification has not yet taken place officers think the bodies are that of Lisa Anthony, 47, and her daughter Ava Anthony, 14, who lived at the house in Simmons Gate. It is thought the bodies may have been there for a number of weeks.

The man found dead in France on Sunday, June 28, has been reported by French police as Jonathan Anthony, 50, in Aix-en-Provence, near Marseilles. He is believed to be Ava’s father.

It has been reported the French Gendarmerie said a British national cut his own throat while staying with a friend, after he was involved in a domestic incident in Britain in which his wife and daughter were killed.

A businessman whose latest company, Ticket Network ltd, set up by Mr Anthony and his wife, was dissolved last year.

The Daily Mail reported the pair faced outstanding county court judgements which totalled £87,463, according to public documents, and tried to rent out their million pound home last year to raise money.

A note to Mrs Anthony and her daughter left by the gates of the gated housing complex said: “Thankyou so much for all the fun and joy that you have brought to our lives. We love you so much and will miss you forever.”

Police are appealing for anyone who may have been in contact with Mrs Anthony and her 14-year-old daughter since June 17. Concern was raised for two people at the house and officers found the pair at about 10am.

The alarm may have been raised after Ava’s school, thought to be Guildford High School, informed police she had not attended.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston said: “The last confirmed sighting we have of Lisa and Ava is Wednesday, June 17, and I would appeal to anyone who has seen or heard from either of them after this date to contact officers with information.

“This is a tragic incident where lives have been lost and our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.

“We are in the very early stages of the investigation but we do not believe there to be may threat to the wider community and I would like to reassure the public that this is thought to be an isolated incident.

“We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.”

On Tuesday, June 30, officers made a voluntary referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after receiving a call from someone known to Mrs Anthony on June 24, raising concerns.

Anyone who has seen or heard from Lisa or Ava Anthony since Wednesday, 17 June is urged to contact Surrey Police quoting Operation Caribou.

  • Did you know the Anthony family? Get in touch on ellie.cambridge@london.newsdesk.co.uk or 020 8722 6368.