Police have launched an investigation after a 52-year-old woman was found dead in her garden pond.

Jean Ryan, believed to be a mother-of-two, was discovered face down in the water at her home in Cranmer Road, Hampton Hill.

Officers arrested a 46-year-old man and released him on bail until April. Fulham Mortuary carried out a post-mortem examination and concluded Mrs Ryan died by drowning.

West London Coroner’s Court opened an inquest on Monday, February 20, and adjourned it until police conclude their investigation.

Neighbours of the family’s semi-detached house said the emergency services arrived in the quiet street after Mrs Ryan was found drowned at about 1.20pm on Thursday, February 9.

A mother living opposite, who asked not to be named, said she saw Mrs Ryan’s son getting ready for school on the same morning.

She said: “She was a mum with two lovely boys. We exchanged sugar and things, they were a nice family.

“They did their routine in the morning when they went to school and when I left here they were getting ready. I saw her son at the window waiting. He was just in the window and looked like he was waiting to go to school.

“I didn’t see her that morning.”

She said Mrs Ryan, thought to have been a social worker, had been living at the house with her husband and two sons for about three years.

Another neighbour said: “I think they kept themselves to themselves.

“Police went from house to house, working their way through during the week.”

Police had an officer standing guard outside the house for 24 hours a day for a week after the discovery.

A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called to a residential property in Cranmer Road, Hampton Hill, shortly before 1.24pm on Thursday, February 9, following reports of a deceased woman found at the location.

“On arrival officers found the body of a 52-year-old woman who was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A post-mortem examination held on Friday, February 10, at Fulham Mortuary gave the cause of death as drowning. An inquest was opened and adjourned.

“Officers continue to investigate the circumstances and at this stage it is being treated as an unexplained death.

“A 46-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and has been bailed to return in April.”

Did you know Mrs Ryan? Contact the newsroom on 0208 744 4275, or email pteed@london.newsquest.co.uk