One of the women who died in Putney in a suspected double suicide pact contacted police to complain she was being harassed, it is believed.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) yesterday launched an inquiry in to police conduct prior to the deaths.

Police found the bodies of the two women in a second floor flat in Norman Court, Lower Richmond Road, on Thursday morning.

Police suspect the two women - who it has been reported were sex workers - gassed themselves using chemicals after sealing doors and windows at the property.

It is understood the Metropolitan Police referred itself to the IPCC after it found records of one of the women contacting the force on a database.

Neighbours said one of the women appeared scared and was reluctant to speak to people as she kept her curtains drawn night and day.

One said she moved to the affordable bedsit about five months ago from Roehampton to "escape someone".

The flat is in a block owned by a not-for-profit trust Women's Pioneer Housing, that helps vulnerable women.

Catherine McGrath, whose flat overlooks the property, said: "She was a very quiet and private girl. She always seemed very scared and had her windows shut and curtains closed."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the IPCC was informed because of "prior contact" with one of the women, but would not say what the contact was about.

An IPCC spokesman said: "The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to investigate contact between the Metropolitan Police and one of the women found dead at an address in Putney.

"The matter was referred to the IPCC and following an assessment an independent investigation has begun.

"We are currently awaiting further information from the Metropolitan Police and hope to be able to release further information in due course."

A post mortem examination of the two bodies has not yet been scheduled.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the police had not yet tracked down the two women's next of kin.