The house in Greenwood Gardens

Inquest opens into ‘unexplained’ death of elderly woman in Hainault

Lizzie Dearden, Reporter Tuesday, March 5, 2013
2:42 PM

An inquest has opened into the death of an elderly woman who was found at the same time as her partner in their Hainault home.

Eileen Knight, 85, and Alfred Stringer, 69, were found dead at their house in Greenwood Gardens on February 24.

Mrs Knight’s daughter made the tragic discovery after calling to visit her mother.

Police described the deaths as “non-suspicious” and a post-mortem found Mr Stringer died of natural causes.

But Ms Knight’s death was classified as “unexplained” and an inquest opened and adjourned this morning.

Neighbours described a devoted couple who were “always together”.

George Purcell, 77, has lived opposite since 1961.

He said he “always got on with” Mr Stringer, who he had known since his teenage years.

He added: “I gathered it was Alf but when I saw there was a second person it was even worse.”

Neighbour Marion Small said Mr Stringer had lived in the house with mother Betty until she passed away.

She added: “I saw him shopping last week when the weather was nice.

“I have been here for 32 years and they’ve been here all that time.

“They were always together, going shopping, coming home. Always.”

If you would like to leave a tribute, email lizzie.dearden@archant.co.uk or call 020 8477 3821.

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