A woman lay dead in her flat for two and a half years before being discovered by police, an inquiry has heard.
Sheila Seleone’s skeletal remains were found in her southeast London home in February.
The 61-year-old probably died at the flat in Peckham in August 2019, a hearing at Southwark Coroner’s Court was told.
Officers broke through the door earlier this year after receiving reports from neighbours concerned for her welfare.
Residents had made several reports to the Peabody housing association, raising concerns about a bad smell, mail building up in her letterbox and not having seen her for some time.
Police visited twice in October 2020 after receiving similar reports, but said they did not notice a bad smell and the officers did not feel there was enough evidence at the time to justify a forced entry.
But officers forced their way inside after returning to the flat on St Mary’s Road in Peckham on 18 February this year.
“Concerns had been raised about the welfare of a woman who lived at the address,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement afterwards.
Detective Sergeant Scott Fisher spoke to the inquiry about the evening officers forced entry and discovered Ms Seleone’s remains.
“There was a brown substance around her body which must have been a product of decomposition,” he said.
“In the bathroom, there was soiled clothing which was an indication to me of ill health and then further to that there were various medications which an internet search suggested various ailments.”