A WOMAN's decomposed remains were found in a flat after neighbours had complained of a bad smell for more than two years.

       Residents claimed the body was "basically just a skeleton" when police broke down her door.

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       A woman's body has been found after neighbours complained of a smell for two years Credit: SWNS 4

       Forensics at the scene in Peckham, South London Credit: SWNS

       The 61-year-old woman who lived there is said to have owed thousands in rent and her letterbox was overflowing in Peckham, South London.

       Neighbours had complained to the housing association landlord about a foul smell in October 2019.

       But police only forced the door open on Friday.

       A young woman who lived next door said: "They told me she was basically a skeleton and asked me to confirm her ethnicity."

       She added: "It’s disgusting. I’m just shocked. I didn’t know her very well but she would sometimes collect my deliveries.

       "I came back from a trip abroad in September or October 2019 when I noticed a horrific stench in the building.

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       "It was so bad, I had to put a towel under the door."

       Neighbours became increasingly concerned when her mail began piling up and a forced entry notice for a routine gas check appeared on her door in 2020.

       The neighbour added: "We repeatedly called the housing association because it was weird.

       "The police came but they said lots of people had moved out of London during the pandemic and she could be abroad."

       A bike was abandoned in front of her door a short while later and again neighbours complained after it wasn't removed.

       The Met Police said: ""Concerns had been raised about the welfare of a woman who lived at the address.

       "Officers attended and forced entry. The body of a 61-year-old woman who was deceased was found inside.

       "The woman's death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

       "A file will be prepared for the coroner."

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       The woman's letter box had been piling up Credit: SWNS 4

       A bike had been left unmoved outside her door Credit: SWNS