A MAN found dead next to the body of his partner was an absconded prisoner, police have confirmed.

Mark Anthony Williams, 37, was found shot dead in a semi-detached house in Bracondale Road, Abbey Wood, on Wednesday morning.

Next to him was the body of Susan Starbuck, 43, and a firearm was also found at the scene.

The Met Police say Williams, a category D prisoner, had absconded from Standford Hill prison, in Sheerness, Kent, on December 13 last year.

Williams was jailed for four years on April 28 in 2005 for wounding with intent.

A post-mortem examination on Williams yesterday, revealed he died from a gun shot to the head.

A post-mortem examination on Ms Starbuck is due today.

Sarbjit Virdee, who lives in neighbouring Woodhurst Road, just yards from the house, said: "I picked up my daughter from school and came back home to find the street cordoned off.

"I was shocked when I heard two people had been shot.

"It is really frightening, especially as this is such a quiet street.

"I have lived here for seven years and the only trouble I can remember is a burglarly a couple of houses along."

Two women also visited the scene to lay a bouquet of yellow tulips.

The women, one of whom was carrying a baby, would not give their names, but described themselves "inconsolable" over the loss of a "dear friend".

One said: "There is enough anger in this world, I just can't believe this has happened. It's breaking my heart."

Post-mortem examinations were held today and the results are expected shortly.

The investigation is being led by The Met Police's Specialist Crime Directorate, based at Lewisham and is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Will O'Reilly.