Postmortem examinations have been carried out on the mother and daughter found dead in their Esher home.

Although formal identification has still not taken place, officers think the bodies found in Esher 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 could have been there for a number of weeks.

Results for the body thought to be that of Lisa Anthony gave the result of compression of the neck, the results for the body thought to be Ava await further analysis.

Family members were told they had been whisked away on a surprise holiday by Jonathan Anthony, husband and father, before the pair were found at their home on Monday, June 30.

In a statement, the family of Lisa and Ava Anthony said: “Following the tragic news that we received on Monday the only word to describe how the family is feeling is heartbroken.

“We would ask that people appreciate that this is a sad and tragic time for the family and that we are left alone to grieve for Lisa and Ava in peace whilst we try to understand what has happened.”

Fiona Boulton, headmistress of Guildford High School said: “Everybody here is shocked and deeply saddened by this horrific news. Ava was a wonderful, charming girl who was a genuine pleasure to know and to teach. She had a love of life that enriched everyone around her and a wonderful smile that could fill a room.

“Her talents were numerous, not least in drama and the performing arts but above all she was a warm and generous girl who was popular, fun and a delight to be with. We are a close knit school community and we mourn her together and this tragic end to such a short life full of potential.”

The body of Mr Anthony, 50, was found by Police in Aix-en-Provence, near Marseilles, the day before the discovery in Esher.

Police received a phone call from someone known to Mrs Anthony on June 24, raising concerns, but this was not followed up until the alarm was raised by staff at Guildford High School, where Ava was a pupil, informed police she had not attended.

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 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.

On Tuesday, June 30, officers made a voluntary referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

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