Police are investigating whether the deaths of two people found in a granny flat on Sydney’s Northern Beaches were the result of a murder-suicide.

Yesterday evening at about 9:30 p.m., police discovered the bodies of a man in his 40s and a woman in her 50s in a small flat located at the back of a home on Cannons Parade in Forestville.

The visit by emergency services to the residence was prompted by concerns over the wellbeing of the pair, who, along with their two dogs and cat, hadn’t been sighted since the previous Saturday.

Detective Superintendent John Duncan of NSW Police stated today that the bodies were located following a brief search, with assistance from firefighters who facilitated police entry into the location.

He said the man and woman, who were in a domestic relationship, were yet to be formally identified but detectives were treating the deaths as suspicious.

“At this point in time, all lines of inquiry are being looked at. I can’t tell you what the scene looks like, crime scenes are still processing it,” Duncan said.

Duncan said detectives were not at this stage seeking any third party in their investigations.

The man and woman were believed to be known to police for “minor matters”.

The couple had lived in NSW for a number of years and resided in Sydney for about 18 months.

Lacerations were found on the bodies, but there were no further details about the cause of death or the extent of their injuries.

NSW Police were in contact with counterparts in Queensland over reports the man and woman were known to police there in relation to domestic violence incidents.

“Obviously, we are talking to our counterparts in Queensland at this particular point in time; until we formally identify the people, it’s a bit difficult to actually confirm what records relate to them. So … that is definitely a line of inquiry,” said Duncan.

A ute with Queensland number plates was also seized at the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the street over recent days or has information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.