Inquest opening – bodies of mother and daughter Suzan Mahmoud and Davina Allen found in their home in Downton, Milford, in the New Forest, surrounded by burnt-out barbecues

The bodies of a mother and daughter were found in their New Forest home surrounded by burnt-out barbecues, an inquest has heard.

Suzan Mahmoud (42) and her daughter Davina Allen (17) were found by Ms Mahmoud’s other daughter who gained entry to the house on Shorefield Road, Downton, near Milford, on 29th December last year.

She found both on the bed, and ambulance staff confirmed the deaths at 1.41pm, the inquest opening at Winchester Coroners’ Court heard.

A preliminary cause of death was given as nitrate intoxication.

A full inquest into the pair’s deaths is set to take place on 21st May 2024

Neighbours had spoken of their shock after the bodies were found, with one saying: “I was absolutely horrified when I heard what had happened.

“This is such a quiet place. I did not know them – I don’t think hardly anyone in the road did.

“It is such a shocking thing to have happened.”

Cllr Matthew Goode, chair of Milford Parish Council, said residents had been upset by the deaths.

He added: “I think the whole community of Milford has been shocked by the very tragic news surrounding the deaths of a teenage girl and woman over the Christmas period.”