The inquest into the deaths of a mother and teenage daughter was opened this afternoon.

Coroner Richard Travers opened the inquest at Woking Coroner’s Court into the deaths of Lisa, 47, and Ava Anthony, 14, who were found at their home in Simmons Gate, Esher, on Monday, June 30.

He said: "This is the opening of the inquests touching the deaths of Lisa Anthony and her daughter Ava Anthony."

It is thought the pair could have been there for a number of weeks. The last known sighting of both was on June 17.

Postmortem examinations were carried out on both bodies last week.

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

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.”

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 saw or heard from Lisa or Ava Anthony after Wednesday, June 17, is urged to contact Surrey Police quoting Operation Caribou.

The inquest was adjourned until October 6, when both pre-inquest reviews will be heard.